Paulo Costa attempts to provoke Azamat Murzakanov at staredown, Russian smiles

Paulo Costa's attempts to get inside Azamat Murzakanov's head at the UFC 327 ceremonial faceoffs on Friday went unrewarded, with the Russian contender responding to the Brazilian's provocations with nothing more than a calm smile.

Costa, known as "The Eraser," carries a 16-4 record into the bout and holds the number 13 ranking in the middleweight division. The 35-year-old Brazilian trains out of Team Borracha and is one of the more prolific strikers in the sport, landing an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. His orthodox stance and six-foot-one frame have made him a physically imposing presence at 185 pounds, though his staredown theatrics produced little effect on fight eve.

Murzakanov, nicknamed "The Professional," offered a fitting response to that label by remaining visibly unmoved during the confrontation. The 37-year-old Russian holds a 16-1 record and sits 12th in the light heavyweight rankings, fighting out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe in a southpaw stance. Standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, he lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy and adds a modest takedown threat at 0.55 per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Costa is a ranked middleweight stepping into a light heavyweight contest, adding an unusual divisional dimension to the matchup
• Murzakanov's top-15 light heavyweight standing means a strong performance could move him closer to title contention at 205 pounds
• The contrasting styles — Costa's high-volume orthodox striking against Murzakanov's southpaw measured approach — set up an intriguing technical puzzle
• Costa's failed mind games at the faceoff suggest Murzakanov is unlikely to be drawn into an emotional, reckless exchange on fight night