UFC middleweight Paulo Costa has offered to compete as a heavyweight replacement at an upcoming event hosted at the White House, targeting undefeated Gordon Hokit.

Costa's Unexpected Offer

Costa, traditionally a middleweight and light heavyweight fighter, contacted UFC leadership to express his readiness to step in should Derek Lewis be unable to compete. He emphasized his desire to fight at heavyweight without the need for a weight cut.

Weight and Motivation

Paulo Costa believes he can weigh as much as, or more than, Gordon Hokit. This offer comes after Costa felt overlooked by the UFC’s bonus structure following a dominant performance in his last fight.

Frustration with Bonus Structure

Despite a statistically impressive win, Costa did not receive a performance bonus. Gordon Hokit, in contrast, earned $200,000 in bonuses from the same event, winning both Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards.

Seeking Recognition

Costa views a fight against Hokit as a chance to earn the financial recognition he feels he deserves and to prove himself as a legitimate heavyweight contender. He believes a win over Hokit would validate his status.

Hokit Responds and Proposes BMF Title

Gordon Hokit, with a 9-0 record, has embraced the challenge. He has publicly advocated for the inclusion of the BMF (Baddest Man on the Planet) title in the potential fight.

BMF Title Debate

The Incredible Hok argues that the BMF title should be held by a heavyweight or open-weight fighter, questioning the legitimacy of smaller weight classes holding the belt. He aims to solidify his claim as the “baddest man” with a win over Costa.

Looking Ahead

Fans are now speculating whether the UFC will approve this matchup. The potential fight, set against the backdrop of a White House event, could significantly impact the promotional landscape for the rest of the year.