UFC title challenger trains with pepper spray to prepare for Gane's eye pokes

Josh Hohkit, the UFC heavyweight title challenger known for his eccentric antics, has released an unusual video of himself getting pepper-sprayed in the face — all in the name of preparing for champion Ciryl Gane's notorious eye-poke fouls.

North American MMA outlets including MMA Mania reported Tuesday (Korean Standard Time) that Hohkit posted footage of himself being sprayed in the face as part of training to fight with limited vision.

Hohkit challenges Gane's heavyweight title in the UFC 334 main event at Madison Square Garden in New York on Nov. 15. Currently ranked fourth in the UFC heavyweight division, Hohkit is undefeated in 10 professional MMA bouts.

The video shows Hohkit recoiling in pain after his training partner sprays him in the face. "That actually burns like crazy — I thought it was fake," he said, visibly caught off guard. He then turned the spray on his partner, who also complained of eye pain.

The two had planned to use a fake pepper spray purchased online before moving on to mitt work, but the spray turned out to be far stronger than expected. Hohkit's training partner joked that the experience was just like taking one of Gane's eye pokes.

The stunt is a pointed jab at Gane, who poked then-heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall of Britain in both eyes at UFC 321 last October, causing the bout to be ruled a no-contest. Aspinall maintained that Gane had done it deliberately, but the official ruling was an accidental foul.

Aspinall underwent treatment for the eye injury and then reinjured his right eye during recovery in September, ultimately relinquishing the heavyweight title.

Capsaicin, the active compound in pepper spray, causes intense pain and irritation to the eyes. Symptoms typically subside over time, but in serious cases hospitalization may be required, and there is a risk of permanent damage.

Hohkit earned his title shot by stopping Derrick Lewis of the United States by TKO in the second round at a UFC event held at the White House in June. Gane, meanwhile, claimed the interim heavyweight title at the same event by finishing Alex Pereira of Brazil by TKO, and was later elevated to undisputed champion after Aspinall vacated the belt.