Paulo Costa attempts to provoke Azamat Murzakanov ahead of UFC 327

Paulo Costa attempted to get under Azamat Murzakanov's skin during pre-fight promotional activities ahead of their UFC 327 matchup on Saturday, but the Russian fighter responded to the Brazilian's psychological pressure with little more than a smile.

Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," carries a 16-4 record and is ranked 13th in the middleweight division. The 35-year-old Brazilian trains out of Team Borracha and is known for his aggressive, high-output striking, landing an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. An orthodox fighter standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, Costa has built his reputation on relentless forward pressure and power punching.

Murzakanov, known as "The Professional," enters the fight with a 16-1 record and sits at number 12 in the light heavyweight rankings. The 37-year-old Russian southpaw out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe stands five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach and lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy. His composure during Costa's staredown tactics appeared entirely consistent with the calm, measured persona his nickname suggests.

Why it matters

• Costa's mind games went unrewarded, with Murzakanov's composed reaction potentially signaling strong mental preparation heading into fight night.
• A win moves either fighter closer to the top ten in a competitive light heavyweight division where rankings implications are significant.
• The stylistic contrast between Costa's relentless striking volume and Murzakanov's southpaw counter-punching sets up an intriguing stand-up battle, with neither man showing a submission threat on their resume.