Azamat Murzakanov and Paulo Costa faced off for the final time before their scheduled bout at UFC 327. The Russian fighter Murzakanov will compete against Brazilian veteran Costa on the card. The post includes a poll asking fans to pick a winner between the two middleweights. No specific details about tensions or exchanges during the face-off were mentioned. The fight is part of the UFC 327 event taking place this weekend.
Azamat Murzakanov and Paulo Costa completed their pre-fight face-off ahead of their scheduled meeting at UFC 327, which takes place this weekend on April 11.
Costa, known as "The Eraser," enters the bout ranked 13th in the middleweight division with a professional record of 16 wins and 4 losses. The 35-year-old Brazilian, who trains out of Team Borracha, stands six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. He is one of the most prolific strikers in the division, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him a dangerous finisher on the feet.
Murzakanov, nicknamed "The Professional," comes in ranked 12th in the light heavyweight division and carries a near-perfect record of 16 wins against just one loss. The 37-year-old Russian, representing K Dojo Warrior Tribe, is a southpaw who stands 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 across divisional lines to face a ranked light heavyweight, adding intrigue to the matchup
- Murzakanov's lone defeat leaves him eager to build momentum at 185 or 170 pounds above his natural home
- Both men rely heavily on striking, with Costa holding a notable volume edge, setting up a potentially explosive stand-up encounter
- A strong performance for either fighter could reshape their divisional standing heading into the summer
Saturday, April 11, 2026
