Azamat Murzakanov and Paulo Costa completed their final faceoff before their fight at UFC 327. The post includes a poll asking fans whether they support Murzakanov or believe Costa will win. This is a featured bout on the UFC 327 card. No specific details about the faceoff interactions are provided beyond the standard pre-fight ritual. The fight represents an important matchup for the Russian fighter Murzakanov.
Azamat Murzakanov and Paulo Costa stood across from each other Thursday for their final faceoff ahead of their UFC 327 bout scheduled for Friday, April 11.
Murzakanov, nicknamed "The Professional," enters the fight carrying a 16-1-0 record and currently sits at number 12 in the light heavyweight rankings. The 37-year-old Russian, who trains out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe, is a southpaw standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach. He lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at a 57 percent accuracy rate and averages 0.55 takedowns per 15 minutes, showing a well-rounded approach to his fights.
Costa, known as "The Eraser," comes in at 16-4-0 and is ranked 13th in the middleweight division, making this an intriguing cross-divisional matchup. The 35-year-old Brazilian out of Team Borracha is an orthodox striker standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach. He is one of the most prolific volume strikers in the UFC, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate.
Why it matters
- Murzakanov is moving down from light heavyweight to meet Costa, adding an extra physical dimension to the matchup
- A strong performance for either fighter could shift their trajectory in their respective or shared divisional pictures
- Costa's elite striking volume against Murzakanov's accuracy and takedown threat sets up a compelling stylistic contrast
- At 37, Murzakanov faces a high-pressure test against one of the most dangerous strikers in the 185-pound weight class
Saturday, April 11, 2026
