Paulo Costa tried to provoke Azamat Murzakanov during a media event ahead of their UFC 327 bout this weekend. Costa's attempts at getting a reaction appeared unsuccessful as Murzakanov only smiled in response. The co-main event fighters will meet in the light heavyweight division. The calm demeanor displayed by Murzakanov contrasted with Costa's provocative approach.
Paulo Costa made a visible effort to get under Azamat Murzakanov's skin at a UFC 327 media event on Thursday, though the Russian contender refused to take the bait, responding to Costa's taunts with little more than a smile.
Costa, who carries the nickname "The Eraser," enters the co-main event carrying a 16-4 record and ranked thirteenth in the middleweight division, though this weekend he steps up to compete at light heavyweight. The 35-year-old Brazilian out of Team Borracha is one of the sport's most aggressive strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. His takedown and submission output is minimal, making him a near-pure stand-and-bang threat.
Murzakanov, known as "The Professional," lives up to that name in more ways than one. The 37-year-old Russian trains out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe and owns a 16-1 record, sitting twelfth in the light heavyweight rankings. Standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, he is a southpaw who lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy and adds a modest takedown threat at 0.55 per fifteen minutes.
Why it matters
- Both fighters sit inside the light heavyweight top fifteen, meaning the winner could push toward the top ten
- Costa's aggressive, high-volume striking style against Murzakanov's measured southpaw approach sets up a compelling stylistic contrast
- Costa's composure outside the cage has historically matched his ferocity inside it, making his pre-fight provocations a notable tactical choice against an opponent who appears difficult to rattle
Saturday, April 11, 2026
