Azamat Murzakanov, standing 178 cm tall, has achieved a perfect 6-0 record in the UFC light heavyweight division, making him the most successful fighter under 180 cm in the division's history. He surpasses Frank Shamrock's 5-0 record among fighters of similar height. If Murzakanov reaches a title fight, he would be the first challenger under 180 cm to compete for the light heavyweight belt in 27 years. Previous short contenders Daniel Cormier and Rashad Evans both stood exactly 180 cm. Murzakanov faces Paulo Costa this Saturday at UFC 327.
Azamat Murzakanov etched his name into UFC history ahead of his bout with Paulo Costa at UFC 327 on April 11, becoming the winningest fighter under 180 cm in the promotion's light heavyweight division with a perfect 6-0 divisional record.
Murzakanov, nicknamed "The Professional," stands 178 cm tall and carries an overall record of 16-1-0 into Saturday's fight. The 37-year-old Russian, who trains out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe, is ranked 12th in the light heavyweight division and competes as a southpaw with a 180 cm reach. He lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at a 57 percent accuracy rate, mixing in takedowns at a modest 0.55 per 15 minutes. His 6-0 UFC run surpasses the previous benchmark set by Frank Shamrock, who went 5-0 among fighters of comparable stature. Should Murzakanov earn a title shot, he would become the first light heavyweight championship challenger standing under 180 cm in 27 years — a threshold that previous short contenders Daniel Cormier and Rashad Evans each stood exactly at.
His opponent, Brazilian slugger Paulo Costa, is a former middleweight who steps up in weight for this contest. "The Eraser" is 35 years old, stands 185 cm, and holds a 16-4-0 record with a divisional ranking of 13th. Costa is an elite volume striker, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate — among the highest output in the sport — while offering almost no grappling threat, averaging just 0.32 takedowns per 15 minutes and zero submission attempts.
Why it matters
- A Murzakanov win would extend the most impressive record by a sub-180 cm fighter in UFC light heavyweight history and push him deeper into title contention.
- Costa's elite striking volume against Murzakanov's accuracy and southpaw angles sets up a compelling stand-up contrast.
- The winner at 205 pounds improves their divisional ranking and strengthens their case for a top-ten matchup.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
