Paulo Costa attempts to provoke Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 face-off

Paulo Costa made an attempt to get inside Azamat Murzakanov's head during their face-off at UFC 327 fight week activities ahead of their co-main event clash on April 11, but Murzakanov refused to take the bait, responding only with a smile.

Costa, known as "The Eraser," enters the bout ranked 13th in the middleweight division with a record of 16-4-0. The 35-year-old Brazilian out of Team Borracha stands six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. He is one of the sport's most prolific volume strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate — numbers that reflect the relentless pressure he brings to every fight.

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 trains with K Dojo Warrior Tribe and fights as a southpaw standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach. He averages 4.7 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy and adds a modest grappling threat with 0.55 takedowns per 15 minutes. His composed reaction at the face-off appeared consistent with his reputation for emotional control.

Why it matters

• Costa is a middleweight stepping up or competing at a catchweight, creating a notable size dynamic against the light heavyweight Murzakanov
• A win for either fighter would strengthen a case for a top-ten ranking in their respective divisions
• Costa's aggressive forward pressure against Murzakanov's measured southpaw striking sets up a compelling stylistic contest
• Murzakanov's refusal to be provoked suggests he enters the bout mentally focused, potentially neutralizing one of Costa's psychological tools