Azamat Murzakanov and Paulo Costa participated in their official staredown ahead of their scheduled bout at UFC 327. The face-off took place as part of the pre-fight promotional activities. Both fighters came face-to-face in the traditional ritual before their upcoming matchup. The event is approaching soon. This represents a significant fight for both competitors.
Azamat Murzakanov and Paulo Costa went face-to-face Thursday during the official pre-fight staredown ahead of their scheduled bout at UFC 327, set to take place on April 11, 2026.
Costa, known as "The Eraser," enters the contest ranked 13th in the middleweight division with a record of 16 wins and 4 losses. The 35-year-old Brazilian, who trains out of Team Borracha, is one of the sport's most aggressive pressure fighters. Fighting out of an orthodox stance, he stands six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach and lands an eye-catching 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate — numbers that reflect his relentless forward-moving style.
Murzakanov, nicknamed "The Professional," holds a 16-1-0 record and sits at number 12 in the light heavyweight rankings. The 37-year-old Russian southpaw trains with K Dojo Warrior Tribe and stands five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach. He lands 4.70 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy and adds a modest takedown threat at 0.55 per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- The bout is a cross-divisional matchup, with Costa moving up from middleweight and Murzakanov operating at home in the light heavyweight ranks
- Both fighters sit inside the top 15 of their respective divisions, giving the winner a meaningful résumé addition
- Costa's elite striking volume will be tested against a longer-tenured light heavyweight in Murzakanov, creating an intriguing size and pace dynamic
Saturday, April 11, 2026
