Paulo Costa attempts to provoke Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 face-off

Paulo Costa made a visible effort to get under Azamat Murzakanov's skin during their pre-fight face-off ahead of UFC 327, but the Russian contender responded with little more than a smile. The moment, captured on video and circulated widely across social media platforms, set a clear tone for the two fighters' contrasting personalities heading into their Saturday bout.

Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," enters the fight at 16-4-0 and is currently ranked 13th in the middleweight division. The 35-year-old Brazilian out of Team Borracha stands six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. He is among the more prolific strikers in the sport, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate — numbers that reflect a pressure-heavy, high-output style built around his powerful hands.

Murzakanov, who goes by "The Professional," brings a 16-1-0 record into the contest and sits 12th in the light heavyweight rankings. The 37-year-old Russian, representing K Dojo Warrior Tribe, is a southpaw standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach. He lands 4.70 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy and adds a modest takedown threat at 0.55 per 15 minutes. His composed demeanor at the face-off appeared consistent with the composed, methodical approach his nickname implies.

Why it matters

• Costa is a middleweight stepping up or competing at a catchweight, adding an unusual dimension to the divisional context
• Both fighters carry top-15 rankings in their respective divisions, giving the winner meaningful momentum
• The striking styles — Costa's relentless volume against Murzakanov's measured southpaw output — set up an intriguing stand-up contrast
• Costa's psychological tactics fell flat publicly, potentially signaling he views Murzakanov as a dangerous opponent worth unsettling early