Josh Hawkett has clarified recent speculation by announcing a partnership with an American sports betting exchange, not a fight announcement. There will be no withdrawal of Derrick Lewis from any scheduled bout, and no fight against Paulo Costa has been announced. The partnership will involve behind-the-scenes content featuring Hawkett throughout fight week. This clarification comes after apparent confusion or rumors circulating about potential fight changes. The post emphasizes that the announcement was purely commercial in nature and not related to matchmaking.
Josh Hawkett has moved to clear up widespread confusion, confirming that his recent announcement was a commercial partnership with an American sports betting exchange rather than anything related to matchmaking or fight scheduling.
Speculation had apparently swirled that the news might involve Derrick Lewis withdrawing from a scheduled bout or a fight being arranged between Hawkett and Paulo Costa. Hawkett addressed those rumors directly, stating that neither is the case. The partnership will see him produce behind-the-scenes content throughout fight week as part of the commercial arrangement.
The names drawn into the rumor mill are both notable figures in their respective divisions. Paulo Costa, ranked 13th in the UFC middleweight division, carries a professional record of 16 wins and 4 losses. The 35-year-old Brazilian fights out of Team Borracha and is one of the more aggressive strikers in the 185-pound class, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. Derrick Lewis, meanwhile, occupies the number eight spot in the heavyweight rankings at 41 years old. The American, who trains at Main Street Boxing and Muay Thai, holds a 29-14 record and stands six-foot-three with a 79-inch reach, making him one of the most physically imposing fighters in the division.
Why it matters
- The clarification puts to rest any reports of a Lewis withdrawal that could have affected heavyweight divisional planning.
- Costa, sitting at 13th in the middleweight rankings, remains in contention, and false matchmaking reports can distort public perception of where negotiations actually stand.
- Hawkett's deal highlights the growing trend of fighters and MMA personalities entering branded commercial arrangements with betting and sports media companies.
