Josh Hokit shares heated message exchange with Paulo Costa over money dispute

A social media feud between Josh Hokit and Paulo Costa spilled into public view on April 18 when Hokit posted a screenshot of a direct message exchange in which the Brazilian middleweight demands a six-figure sum from the younger fighter.

In the messages, Costa tells Hokit "100k and we're even. Return my money," while Hokit responds with crude humor rather than any acknowledgment of a debt. Costa also references eating large amounts of pizza as part of a bulk-up plan ahead of a potential fight with Hokit. Hokit captioned the post by calling Costa a "dumb Brazilian," sharpening an online confrontation that appears to have been building between the two. The origin and nature of the alleged $100,000 debt remain unexplained by either party.

Costa, 35, is a ranked middleweight out of Brazil competing under Team Borracha. He carries a professional record of 16-4 and is currently ranked 13th in the division. A relentless pressure fighter, Costa lands an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 58 percent, making him one of the more dangerous finishers in the 185-pound weight class.

Hokit, nicknamed "The Incredible Hok," is a 28-year-old prospect sitting at a perfect 5-0. His UFC statistical profile is still thin, but an undefeated record at his age makes him a name on the rise.

Why it matters

• A ranked middleweight publicly demanding money from an unbeaten prospect is an unusual escalation that draws attention to both fighters.
• If the back-and-forth develops into a formal callout, the contrast in experience levels — 20 pro fights for Costa versus five for Hokit — would make any potential matchup a significant step up for the newcomer.
• The nature of the alleged debt remains unresolved, leaving the story without full context and the potential for further developments.