Paulo Costa knocks out Azamat Murzakanov in third round

Paulo Costa put away Azamat Murzakanov with a third-round knockout on April 12, 2026, delivering a performance that drew praise for its disciplined tactical execution from start to finish.

Costa, known as "The Eraser," entered the fight as the No. 13-ranked middleweight with a record of 16-4-0. The 35-year-old Brazilian out of Team Borracha is one of the more feared strikers in his division, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. Standing six feet one inch tall with a 72-inch reach, the orthodox fighter maintained his aggressive forward pressure throughout the night and executed his game plan with precision according to post-fight analysis.

Murzakanov, fighting out of Russia under the banner of K Dojo Warrior Tribe, came in ranked 12th in the light heavyweight division with a record of 16-1-0. The 37-year-old southpaw stands five feet ten inches with a 71-inch reach and carries his own respectable striking output at 4.7 significant strikes per minute on 57 percent accuracy. Despite his experience and solid credentials, the fighter nicknamed "The Professional" was criticized for relying on repetitive tactics that Costa was able to read and counter effectively over the course of the three rounds.

Why it matters

• Costa's finish adds to his highlight-reel record and strengthens his case for a higher ranking at 185 pounds
• Murzakanov suffers his first professional loss, halting momentum he had built in the light heavyweight division
• The cross-divisional nature of the matchup raises questions about where each fighter competes next
• Costa's striking efficiency was on full display, underlining his danger as a finisher at middleweight