Former UFC interim title challenger Sergei Pavlovich has his eyes set on Josh Hokit after Hokit’s upcoming fight at the White House.

UFC heavyweight contender Sergei Pavlovich earned an impressive first-round knockout win over Tallison Teixeira last Saturday at UFC Macau. After recent lopsided defeats to Tom Aspinall and Alexander Volkov, Pavlovich is back in the heavyweight title discussion after earning his third consecutive victory.

Pavlovich is one of the heavyweight division’s forgotten gems due to his recent two-fight skid. He possesses some of the heaviest hands in the division and has given the likes of Curtis Blaydes, Tai Tuivasa, and Derrick Lewis headaches inside the Octagon.

As Pavlovich returns to the heavyweight If Hotitle mix, he’s in the same discussions as one of the UFC’s most polarizing fighters, Josh Hokit. The former Dana White’s Contender Series standout Hokit will return to the Octagon later this month and is on the verge of a potential title shot.

Many heavyweights want to get their hands on Hokit for some of the controversial fighter’s recent banter. Matchmakers can add Pavlovich to that growing list of names.

UFC heavyweights Sergei Pavlovich and Josh Hokit trade barbs over future fight

Pavlovich called out Hokit in a recent post to X, just days after his knockout win.

“Handle your business on June 16th. If you win, we’ll settle this in China in August,” Pavlovich said.

Hokit is scheduled to face UFC fan favorite Derrick Lewis on the upcoming UFC White House card. He most recently defeated Lewis’ former rival, Curtis Blaydes, at UFC 327, catapulting himself up the heavyweight rankings.

In a recent tweet, Hokit replied to Pavlovich’s callout in trademark fashion.

“F*** China and f*** you! USA MFER!” Hokit responded to Pavlovich.

If Hokit is victorious at UFC White House later this month, don’t be surprised if Pavlovich’s name comes up for his next fight.

What is your prediction for Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis? Let us know in the comments!