Paulo Costa tried to get under the skin of Azamat Murzakanov during a recent encounter, but Murzakanov only responded with smiles. The light heavyweight bout between the two fighters is scheduled for this weekend. Costa's provocations appear to have had little effect on the Russian fighter. Video footage of the interaction shows Murzakanov remaining calm and composed despite Costa's attempts. The buildup suggests Murzakanov is unfazed by his opponent's tactics heading into fight week.
Paulo Costa attempted to get into the head of Azamat Murzakanov during a pre-fight encounter this week, but the Russian contender responded with little more than a smile. The two light heavyweights are scheduled to meet this weekend, and Costa's psychological tactics appear to have fallen flat ahead of fight night.
Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," enters the bout as one of the more recognizable names on the card. The 35-year-old Brazilian carries a 16-4-0 record and is currently ranked 13th in the middleweight division, though he is competing at light heavyweight. Standing six feet one inch with a 72-inch reach, Costa is one of the more prolific strikers in the sport, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate.
Murzakanov, known as "The Professional," has been anything but rattled in the build-up. The 37-year-old Russian holds a 16-1-0 record and sits at number 12 in the light heavyweight rankings. Fighting out of a southpaw stance at five feet ten inches tall with a 71-inch reach, Murzakanov lands 4.70 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy and also adds a modest takedown threat at 0.55 takedowns per 15 minutes. Video from the encounter shows him absorbing Costa's verbal provocations without any visible reaction.
Why it matters
- Costa is moving up from middleweight, making weight and adjustment a storyline in itself
- Murzakanov's composure under pressure could reflect well on his mental preparation heading into a high-profile matchup
- Both fighters carry similar striking accuracy figures, setting up a potentially competitive stand-up exchange
- A win for either man carries rankings implications in a competitive light heavyweight division
