Josh Hokit
Paulo Costa
Josh Hokit vs Paulo Costa Rivalry History
The rivalry between Josh Hokit and Paulo Costa represents a professional competitive dynamic in modern MMA. Across 10 documented exchanges, their communication patterns reveal distinct psychological strategies and mental warfare tactics.
The balanced sentiment distribution (0% negative, 0% positive) reveals a complex psychological dynamic where both fighters employ strategic verbal engagement.
Our analysis examines their rivalry classification, communication strategies, sentiment patterns, and complete conversation timeline—providing unique insights into how verbal warfare translates to octagon performance.
Rivalry Classification
This rivalry maintains a Neutral Professional Rivalry dynamic.
Communication Strategy Comparison
Analysis: Paulo Costa dominated conversation initiation with 70% of first statements, suggesting verbal aggression tactics. This dynamic commonly appears in Neutral Professional Rivalry matchups.
What The Sentiment Chart Reveals
The sentiment analysis chart above reveals distinct communication personalities and psychological strategies employed by both fighters:
Josh Hokit's Communication Pattern
Primary tactic: Neutral. This balanced communication style suggests professional focus on competition rather than emotional manipulation.
Paulo Costa's Communication Pattern
Primary tactic: Neutral. This measured approach suggests tactical verbal engagement without emotional investment, typical of experienced fighters.
Psychological Dynamic
Both fighters employ similar verbal tactics, creating a matched psychological battle. This symmetry often leads to intense, competitive exchanges with no clear mental advantage—the fight outcome typically depends on technical skill rather than mental warfare.
Quote Timeline
“Would be something unbelievable. I would say like Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor but I think it can be even better because we are heavier than those guys, and have more knockout power. So, maybe he gonna talk sh**, I’m gonna talk sh** as well, gonna bring a lot of entertainment I think”
– via Submission Radio, comparing his burgeoning rivalry with Josh Hokit to the legendary Diaz McGregor saga.
“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. I wouldn't be surprised if I came in heavier than him. If Trump still wants Derrick there, book him with somebody else”
– via X, doubling down on his campaign to replace Derrick Lewis and face the undefeated Josh Hokit at UFC Freedom 250
“I just let ufc knows if Derek Lewis gets out his fight for some reason I will step in at White House as heavyweight. No bullshit, ain’t lying.”
– via X, offering to make his heavyweight debut as a short notice replacement for the historic UFC Freedom 250 card
“Even with 2 bonuses he probably still made more than me lol. I took a big risk but now I'm gonna reap the reward with my next contract”
– via X, reflecting on his earnings relative to his opponents despite receiving multiple bonuses and looking forward to his next contract negotiations.
“He got two bonuses. He got my performance bonus. He owes me $100K, and I'm going to get that $100K one way or another”
– via The Ariel Helwani Show, claiming he is owed a performance bonus and intends to collect the money he believes he earned.
“I was p*ssed off about the bonus, I really think I deserved the bonus. That bonus is $100,000, I don’t think [Josh Hokit] deserved two bonuses. I feel like this is an injustice, unfair. It triggers the worst feelings, in my mind and my heart. I went crazy and I wanted to smash [things]. I texted them about it, I hope and trust that Dana [White] and Hunter [Campbell] are going to take care of me.”
– via via an interview with Ariel Helwani, expressing his frustration over not receiving a $100,000 bonus for his win at UFC 327.
“I’ll eat your heart”
– via X replied to Paulo Costa's callout.
“Costa x Huk for real BMF * no weight limit *no boring hugs * winner takes all”
– via X calllout to Josh Hokit
“I'd take you down and suffocate you with this belly… and take all your women from you… they prefer a dad bod anyways…”
– via social media, delivering a classic "troll" response to Paulo Costa following their respective statement wins at UFC 327 in Miami.
“Hey Josh Hokit you got my BONUS MTFK , I gonna fuc u up next time ur fuc**** b**”
– Paulo Costa via X to Josh Hokit
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this rivalry
Explore More MMA Rivalries
Explore 3+ statements from Josh Hokit about opponents, fights, and rivalries.
Explore 7+ statements from Paulo Costa about opponents, fights, and rivalries.
Compare With Other Rivalries
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