Paulo Costa has made several statements ahead of his UFC 327 bout with Azamat Murzakanov. Costa stated he hates Russian fighters and that Murzakanov will be the second consecutive Russian he adds to his record, with Khamzat Chimaev planned as the third. Video from Costa's team shows him having tremendous difficulty making 93 kilograms, notably higher than his previous competing weight of 84 kg. Additionally, Johnny Walker surprised Jiri Prochazka with a gift related to his upcoming daughter's birth. Jon Jones announced his retirement from fighting, saying he has hung up his gloves and is now only a businessman. Josh Hockett was caught on camera dropping his antics immediately after filming ended, apologizing to those present.
Paulo Costa is making headlines ahead of UFC 327 for reasons both physical and verbal, as the Brazilian middleweight contender prepares to face Azamat Murzakanov on April 11.
Footage released by Costa's team shows him struggling significantly to reach 93 kilograms — a weight notably higher than the 84 kg he has previously competed at. The physical challenge has raised questions about his conditioning heading into fight night.
Costa, ranked 13th in the middleweight division with a 16-4-0 record, has also been vocal about his upcoming opposition. The 35-year-old Brazilian from Team Borracha declared his dislike for Russian fighters and framed Murzakanov as the second consecutive Russian he intends to add to his record, with Khamzat Chimaev reportedly targeted as the third. Costa lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute with 58 percent accuracy, making him one of the more dangerous punchers in the 185-pound division.
Elsewhere in the lead-up to UFC 327, Jon Jones — who holds a 28-1-0 career record — announced his retirement from fighting, stating he has hung up his gloves and now considers himself solely a businessman. The 38-year-old stands six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach and leaves behind one of the most decorated careers in the sport.
In a lighter moment, Johnny Walker surprised second-ranked light heavyweight Jiri Prochazka with a gift connected to the Czech fighter's upcoming daughter's birth. Prochazka, 33, carries a 32-6-1 record and stands six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach out of Jetsaam Gym Brno.
Finally, Josh Hockett was captured on camera visibly dropping his on-screen persona the moment filming wrapped, and was seen apologizing to those present in the room.
Why it matters
- Costa's dramatic weight jump to 93 kg raises genuine questions about his readiness at a new weight class
- Jones's retirement announcement marks a potential end to one of MMA's most significant careers
- Prochazka remains a key figure at light heavyweight ahead of any divisional reshuffling following the Jones news
Saturday, April 11, 2026
