Costa switches stance on Russian fighters, targets Murzakanov at UFC 327

Paulo Costa has reversed his previous position and now claims to hate Russian fighters ahead of his bout with Azamat Murzakanov. Costa stated: "I hate Russian fighters, this is already the second in a row that I will add to my record. When I deal with this fat guy, Chimaev will be third." Video emerged from Costa's team showing him struggling significantly to make 93 kg (205 pounds), a stark contrast from his previous fighting weight of 84 kg (185 pounds). The dramatic weight increase and difficult cut raise questions about Costa's condition for the light heavyweight bout. Additionally, Johnny Walker surprised Jiri Prochazka with a gift related to the upcoming birth of Prochazka's daughter.