Paulo Costa attempts to provoke Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327

Paulo Costa tried to get into Azamat Murzakanov's head during their pre-fight faceoff ahead of UFC 327, but the Russian fighter responded with nothing more than a calm smile, leaving Costa's mind games largely unanswered. The two men are scheduled to collide on Saturday, April 11.

Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," enters the bout ranked 13th in the middleweight division with a record of 16-4. The 35-year-old Brazilian out of Team Borracha is one of the sport's most aggressive pressure fighters, landing an exceptional 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. His orthodox stance and 72-inch reach — 183 centimeters — make him a constant forward threat, though his grappling output remains minimal with virtually no submission attempts.

Murzakanov, known as "The Professional," carries a 16-1 record into this contest and sits 12th in the light heavyweight rankings. The 37-year-old southpaw from Russia, representing K Dojo Warrior Tribe, stands five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach and has built his reputation on composed, measured striking, averaging 4.7 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy. His demeanor at the faceoff appeared entirely consistent with his in-cage persona.

Why it matters

• Costa is a middleweight moving up to face a ranked light heavyweight, adding an unusual divisional dimension to the matchup
• Murzakanov's unflappable response at the faceoff suggests he will not be drawn into an emotional battle before the opening bell
• Both fighters rely primarily on striking, with low takedown and submission numbers, pointing toward a stand-up contest
• A strong result for either man carries real rankings implications in the 205-pound division heading into mid-2026