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Inside UFC 334: What You Need to Know About the Blockbuster MSG Card

UFC 334 is officially coming to Madison Square Garden with two massive title fights. Here is why the return of Amanda Nunes and Ciryl Gane’s undisputed status are dominating the headlines.

WhyThisBuzz DeskSep 20, 20262 min read
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The UFC is heading back to Madison Square Garden on November 14, and the promotion is bringing a stacked double-header.

During the UFC 331 broadcast, officials confirmed the top two bouts for UFC 334, featuring a highly anticipated heavyweight title fight and the return of a legendary champion.

Here is everything you need to know about the massive fights headlining the New York City card.

Gane Defends Undisputed Gold Against Undefeated Phenom

In the main event, newly minted undisputed heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane (14-2, 1 NC) will defend his throne against the undefeated rising star Josh Hokit (10-0).

Gane was elevated to undisputed status after Tom Aspinall vacated the title due to ongoing eye injuries sustained during their October no-contest. While UFC CEO Dana White previously hinted that Gane would need another fight before shedding the "interim" label, the official UFC 334 graphics confirm Gane is entering MSG as the undisputed king.

He faces a dangerous test in Hokit. Since earning his contract on the Contender Series in 2025, Hokit has gone 4-0 in the UFC. He quickly became a fan favorite after securing three victories in just six months, including:

  • A dominant knockout over heavyweight veteran Derrick Lewis.
  • A thrilling, back-and-forth "Fight of the Year" contender against Curtis Blaydes.

The Ultimate Women's Superfight: Harrison vs. Nunes

The co-main event features a blockbuster legacy fight that fans have wanted for years. Bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison (19-1) will make her first title defense against the returning Amanda Nunes (23-5).

This fight was originally scheduled for UFC 324 in January, but Harrison was forced to withdraw to undergo neck surgery. Now fully recovered, the former American Top Team teammates will finally settle their rivalry.

  • Kayla Harrison: A two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo and two-time PFL tournament champion, Harrison won the UFC bantamweight title by submitting Julianna Peña.
  • Amanda Nunes: Widely regarded as the greatest female fighter in MMA history, "The Lioness" retired in 2023 as a double-champion. She returns to active competition looking to reclaim her 135-pound crown.

What This Means for the UFC

UFC 334 is shaping up to be one of the most significant events of the year. It represents a passing of the torch in the heavyweight division and a defining legacy matchup in women's MMA. With Gane fighting to secure his legacy and Nunes aiming to reclaim her throne, Madison Square Garden is set for another historic night.

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