Paulo Costa attempts to provoke Azamat Murzakanov ahead of UFC 327 bout

Paulo Costa made an attempt to get inside opponent Azamat Murzakanov's head ahead of their light heavyweight clash at UFC 327, scheduled for April 11, with footage capturing the Brazilian's efforts at psychological warfare before fight night.

Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," carries a 16-4-0 record and is currently ranked 13th in the middleweight division, though this contest takes place at light heavyweight. The 35-year-old from Brazil trains out of Team Borracha and fights out of an orthodox stance. Known for his aggressive striking output, Costa lands an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, making him one of the more dangerous hands in his weight class. His six-foot-one frame gives him a 72-inch reach.

Murzakanov, by contrast, responded to Costa's taunts with nothing more than smiles, refusing to be drawn into any confrontation. "The Professional" holds a 16-1-0 record and sits at number 12 in the light heavyweight rankings. The 37-year-old Russian, who trains with K Dojo Warrior Tribe, is a southpaw standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach. He lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy and also mixes in takedowns at a rate of 0.55 per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Costa moving up to light heavyweight adds an unpredictable element to an already intriguing stylistic matchup
• Murzakanov's composed reaction suggests a measured mental approach heading into fight night
• Both fighters carry heavy hands and similar striking accuracy, setting up a potentially explosive stand-up battle
• A win for either man would strengthen a case for a top-ten ranking in the 205-pound division