Alex Poatan and Paulo Borrachinha were affected by the UFC ranking update. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage.
Paulo Borrachinha signals new career plans and may follow in Alex Poatan 's footsteps by projecting a heavyweight debut (up to 120,2 kg) at UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June 14th. The Brazilian made his UFC debut at UFC 327, in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg), with a knockout victory over Azamat Murzakanov . Now, the former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) has revealed that he has already begun talks with the UFC to be part of the card for the celebratory event, possibly facing Josh Hokit , a outspoken fighter with whom he has recently developed a rivalry.
In a social media post, Borrachinha indicated that he has made himself available to the organization as a possible replacement in the fight involving Derek Lewis, should any unforeseen circumstances arise. The Brazilian stated that he has already informed the UFC of his interest in taking the fight in the heavyweight division, emphasizing that the intention is genuine and not a joke.
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"I just informed the UFC that if Derek Lewis pulls out of the fight for any reason, I'll take his place as a heavyweight in the White House. No joke, I'm not lying," said Paulo Borrachinha.
I just let ufc know if Derek Lewis gets out his fight for some reason I will step in at White House as heavyweight. No bullshit, ain't lying.
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) April 20, 2026
How did the rivalry between Paulo Borrachinha and Josh Hokit in the UFC begin?
Josh Hokit and Paulo Borrachinha are UFC standouts. Photos: SUPER LUTAS montage
Despite his knockout of Azamat Murzakanov igniting the crowd, Paulo Borrachinha did not win the performance bonus of the night, valued at approximately R$ 500. The award ended up going to Josh Hokit , which generated dissatisfaction on the part of the Brazilian.
Annoyed by the result, Borrachinha began directing provocations at the American and issued a public challenge, aiming to settle the situation inside the octagon.
On the other hand, Hokit responded by raising the tone of the rivalry, indicating that he intends to go beyond simply winning the match and that he plans to completely dominate the Brazilian in a possible duel.
Meeting with Donald Trump could help Paulo Borrachinha fight at the UFC White House.
Still during UFC 327, in the celebration after the victory, Paulo Borrachinha left the octagon and went to the front row to interact with Donald Trump, who was watching the event closely.
Even in a brief encounter, the former president of the United States showed enthusiasm for the Brazilian's performance, praising his acting and also highlighting his appearance in a relaxed comment during the conversation.
Alex Poatan seeks third UFC belt.
Alex Poatan after his defeat at UFC 313 (Photo: Instagram UFC Canada)
Alex Poatan 's first UFC belt came in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). On that occasion, the Brazilian faced his biggest rival, Israel Adesanya , in the main event of UFC 281 , and knocked out the Nigerian in the fifth round, accumulating his third victory over his opponent in combat sports. In the rematch, held at UFC 287 , Adesanya got his revenge, knocked out Poatan and regained the title.
Exhausted by the weight cut, the Brazilian decided to move up a weight class. After defeating Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291 , he received the opportunity to fight for the light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295. Poatan knocked out the Czech fighter, won the division title (up to 93 kg), and defended it three times.
Later, he was defeated by Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 , but bounced back to reclaim the title at UFC 320. Now, with uncertainty surrounding Tom Aspinall 's return to defend the undisputed heavyweight title, Poatan faces Ciryl Gane in his debut in the division, competing for the interim title.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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