Paulo Costa has stated he hates Russian fighters, noting that Azamat Murzakanov will be the second consecutive Russian opponent on his record. Costa indicated that after dealing with Murzakanov, whom he called a "fat guy," Khamzat Chimaev would be the third Russian fighter he plans to face. Meanwhile, someone from Costa's team posted video showing him struggling significantly to make 93 kg (205 pounds), a notable change from his previous weight class of 84 kg (185 pounds). The comments represent Costa's mindset heading into his light heavyweight contest. Additional context about his weight cut difficulties has emerged from his camp.
Paulo Costa has taken aim at his upcoming light heavyweight opponent Azamat Murzakanov with a blunt declaration, telling fans that he hates Russian fighters ahead of their scheduled contest.
Costa, 35, carries a 16-4-0 record and is ranked 13th in the middleweight division, though this bout takes place at light heavyweight — a full 20 pounds above his previous home of 185 pounds. The Brazilian out of Team Borracha is one of the sport's most aggressive strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. His move up in weight has not been seamless, as footage posted by his camp shows him struggling notably to reach the 205-pound light heavyweight limit of 93 kg.
Murzakanov, 37, represents the second consecutive Russian opponent on Costa's schedule, and Costa was characteristically unsparing in his assessment, calling the Russian a "fat guy." The Professional carries a 16-1-0 record and sits 12th in the light heavyweight rankings. The southpaw from Russia trains out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe and lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy, making this a potential striker's contest between two heavy-handed fighters.
Costa also pointed ahead to a third Russian on his hit list, naming the middleweights's top-ranked contender Khamzat Chimaev as the next target after Murzakanov. Chimaev, who fights out of the UAE and trains at Allstars Training Center, holds a 15-1-0 record and ranks first in the middleweight division and 10th pound-for-pound. The 32-year-old is a relentless mixed threat, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 60 percent striking accuracy.
Why it matters
- Costa's weight cut difficulties at 205 pounds could be a factor heading into the fight with Murzakanov
- A win would strengthen Costa's case for relevant matchups at light heavyweight, a division where he is currently unranked
- The Chimaev callout sets up a potential high-profile middleweight return if Costa descends back to 185 pounds
