Paulo Costa is one massively successful performance into his UFC Light Heavyweight career, and he’s already looking to switch divisions.
The former Middleweight title challenger made a serious splash at UFC 327 by officially moving to 205 pounds and smashing Azamat Murzakanov, the previously unbeaten Russian knockout artist who was knocking on the door of a title shot. It’s debatably the best win of Costa’s career and certainly his finest performance since beating Yoel Romero in 2019.
Despite the newfound
Light Heavyweight momentum, Costa is ready to jump all the way up to Heavyweight to settle his newfound beef with Josh Hokit. Just before Costa’s big win, Hokit went to war with Curtis Blaydes in an immensely entertaining clash so good it landed him on the UFC White House card versus Derrick Lewis. In the aftermath, Costa and Hokit began to argue over a stolen $100k bonus and Costa’s high fight purse.
Seeing as Hokit is a small Heavyweight, Costa feels the time is perfect for him to replace Derrick Lewis and fight Hokit at the White House.
“I just let ufc knows if Derek Lewis gets out his fight for some reason I will step in at White House as heavyweight,” Costa wrote on X. “No bullshit, ain’t lying.”
He continued, “Right now, I think practically all the fans would like to see how I, who was perhaps the biggest middleweight in history, would fare against Hokit in the Heavyweight division without cutting any weight at the White House. wouldn’t be surprised if I came in heavier than him. If Trump still wants [Derrick Lewis] there , book him with somebody else.”
Costa is also a favorite of President Donald Trump, so it’s not impossible? It may be a bit random, but I do think Costa vs. Hokit is a more intriguing matchup than the original. That said, I can’t imagine “The Black Beast” is eager to pass up a paycheck on a massive card, and that contract is presumably already signed.
Paulo Costa is an excellent backup option at worst, and perhaps he and Hokit can still meet somewhere down the line.
