Paulo Costa has declared his willingness to move up to heavyweight immediately to face Josh Hockett. Costa stated that he believes fans would be interested in seeing him, possibly the largest middleweight in UFC history, compete at heavyweight without a weight cut at the White House event. He noted he might even be heavier than Hockett on fight night. Costa suggested that if the UFC still wants Derrick Lewis on the card, they should find him a different opponent. Additionally, Costa mentioned that fighting Hockett at the White House would allow him to collect the $100,000 that Hockett allegedly owes him. The post included a poll asking fans which matchup they prefer: Costa vs Hockett or Hockett vs Lewis.
Paulo Costa has publicly volunteered to jump up to heavyweight and fight Josh Hockett at the UFC White House event on June 14, 2026, positioning himself as an alternative — or addition — to a potential Derrick Lewis booking on that card.
Costa, ranked 13th in the middleweight division with a 16-4 record, made the offer with a degree of financial motivation attached. The 35-year-old Brazilian stated that competing at heavyweight without a weight cut would be a natural fit for someone he describes as possibly the largest middleweight in UFC history. Standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, Costa carries a reputation as one of the more physically imposing fighters in his division. He lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, numbers that place him among the more prolific offensive middleweights on the roster. He suggested he might actually outweigh Hockett on fight night.
Beyond the spectacle, Costa referenced a financial dispute, claiming Hockett owes him $100,000 and that the White House event would be a convenient occasion to collect. He also indicated that if the UFC still wants Lewis involved, the promotion should find Lewis a separate opponent rather than remove him from the card entirely.
Lewis, listed at eighth in the heavyweight rankings with a 29-14 record, is 41 years old and stands six-foot-three with a 79-inch reach. The American veteran lands 2.46 significant strikes per minute, a rate that reflects the knockout power he carries rather than volume output.
Costa accompanied the callout with a fan poll asking whether viewers preferred Costa versus Hockett or Hockett versus Lewis.
Why it matters
- Costa moving to heavyweight without a cut would be an unusual crossover scenario with genuine curiosity value
- The callout puts pressure on the UFC to clarify Lewis's status on the White House card
- A reported $100,000 debt adds a personal stakes element beyond typical divisional competition
- Costa's high striking output at middleweight would face a significant step up in opposition size and power
Sunday, June 14, 2026
