Azamat Murzakanov and Paulo Costa faced off for the final time ahead of their fight at UFC 327. The Russian fighter and Brazilian veteran completed the ceremonial weigh-in staredown as part of the pre-fight activities in Miami. The bout is part of the UFC 327 card taking place this weekend. Both fighters will compete in what appears to be a significant matchup on the event.
Azamat Murzakanov and Paulo Costa locked eyes one final time Thursday at the ceremonial weigh-in staredown in Miami, setting the stage for their matchup on the UFC 327 card scheduled for Saturday, April 11.
Murzakanov, known as "The Professional," enters the bout riding a strong run in the light heavyweight division. The 37-year-old Russian, who trains out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe, carries a 16-1-0 record and holds the number 12 ranking at 205 pounds. Standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, the southpaw lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at a 57 percent accuracy rate and adds 0.55 takedowns per 15 minutes to his offensive arsenal.
Costa, the Brazilian veteran nicknamed "The Eraser," steps up from middleweight to meet Murzakanov at light heavyweight. The 35-year-old Team Borracha product holds a 16-4-0 record and sits ranked 13th in the middleweight division. At six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, Costa is one of the sport's most relentless pressure strikers, averaging an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy from an orthodox stance.
Why it matters
- Murzakanov is a ranked light heavyweight looking to solidify his divisional standing with a high-profile win
- Costa moves up a weight class, adding an unusual dimension to the matchup and testing his power at 205 pounds
- The stylistic contrast is stark: Costa's elite striking volume against Murzakanov's southpaw angles and takedown threat
- A convincing performance by either man could push them toward the upper tier of their respective divisions
Saturday, April 11, 2026
