Costa knocks out Murzakanov in third round at UFC 327

Paulo Costa extended his run in the light heavyweight division with a third-round knockout of Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 on April 11, 2026, delivering a performance that showcased sharp tactical awareness against a fighter offering little variety on offense.

Costa, known as "The Eraser," entered the bout carrying a 16-4-0 record and ranked 13th in the middleweight division, though competing here at light heavyweight. The 35-year-old Brazilian out of Team Borracha stands six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach and brings relentless forward pressure to every outing. His striking volume is among the most impressive in the sport, averaging 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate — numbers that reflect both his aggression and his precision.

Murzakanov, nicknamed "The Professional," came in ranked 12th at light heavyweight with a 16-1-0 record. The 37-year-old Russian southpaw trains out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe and, despite standing five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, had built his record on a foundation of consistent striking output, averaging 4.7 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy. His lone professional loss now becomes two heading into this result.

Why it matters

• Costa's knockout adds a notable light heavyweight scalp to his resume and complicates divisional rankings at 205 pounds.
• Murzakanov's first defeat came only recently, and a second consecutive loss would stall his climb toward title contention.
• The style contrast — Costa's high-volume orthodox striking versus Murzakanov's southpaw approach — ultimately favored the Brazilian, whose tactical discipline drew clear praise in post-fight assessments.
• At 35, Costa continues to demonstrate he can compete effectively above his natural division, raising questions about where he fights next.