Paulo Costa attempts to provoke Azamat Murzakanov, who remains smiling

Paulo Costa's pre-fight mind games fell flat this week when light heavyweight contender Azamat Murzakanov responded to the Brazilian's attempts at provocation with nothing more than a smile. The two fighters are set to meet this weekend, and their pre-fight interaction has already offered a glimpse at the contrasting personalities heading into the bout.

Costa, known as "The Eraser," enters the fight at 35 years old carrying a 16-4 record. The Brazilian orthodox striker competes at middleweight and is ranked 13th in that division, though this matchup takes him up to light heavyweight. He lands an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the more prolific volume strikers in the sport.

Murzakanov, nicknamed "The Professional," appears to be living up to that name off the canvas as well. The 37-year-old Russian southpaw holds a 16-1 record and sits 12th in the light heavyweight rankings. Competing out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe, Murzakanov 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 moving up a weight class to face a ranked light heavyweight, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the task.
• Murzakanov's calm reaction to Costa's antics suggests a composed mental approach heading into the weekend.
• Both fighters carry near-identical striking accuracy, setting up a potentially close standup contest between an orthodox and southpaw.
• A win for either man carries meaningful rankings implications in a competitive light heavyweight division.