Ciryl Gane isn't interested in arguing his case anymore. Gane told reporters the backlash comes from frustration and made clear he isn't trying to win anyone over, saying 'I'm not here to try and convince anyone.'

According to MMA News, Gane also brushed off any mind games from his upcoming opponent, Josh Hokit, insisting Hokit's antics won't get under his skin. Multiple outlets, including Ag. Fight, MMA Fighting and MMA News, are reporting the same core message from Gane: he's not chasing validation, he's defending a belt.

That belt has been held since Gane stopped Alex Pereira in June, finishing him with punches in the second round at 1:27. He now puts it on the line against Hokit on November 14 at UFC 334, with Gane sitting as a sizable favorite at minus 190 compared to Hokit's plus 180. Our own model leans toward Gane as well, giving him a 68 percent chance against Hokit's 32.

What's notable in our numbers is the Elo gap running the other way. Hokit actually rates higher at 1609, built across five bouts, compared to Gane's 1559 over four. Hokit arrives off a finish of his own, stopping Derrick Lewis with punches in the second round back in June.

Looming over all of it is Tom Aspinall, still ranked number one at heavyweight and sitting at a 1572 Elo across three bouts. However Gane handles Hokit, the division's unresolved business with Aspinall isn't going away.