Azamat Murzakanov holds best UFC light heavyweight record among fighters under 179 cm

Azamat Murzakanov enters UFC 327 on April 11 in Miami carrying a piece of divisional history, holding a perfect 6-0 record in the UFC light heavyweight division at a height of five-foot-ten — making him the most successful fighter under 179 cm in the division's history.

Murzakanov, 37, fights out of Russia for K Dojo Warrior Tribe and carries an overall professional record of 16-1-0. Ranked 12th at light heavyweight, the southpaw known as "The Professional" lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy and adds 0.55 takedowns per 15 minutes to his offensive arsenal. His six-win UFC streak surpasses the five-win mark set by Frank Shamrock, who competed at the same height of 178 cm. Should Murzakanov eventually earn a title shot, he would become the first light heavyweight championship contender under 180 cm in 27 years.

Standing across from him will be Paulo Costa, the Brazilian striker known as "The Eraser." Costa, 35, holds a record of 16-4-0 and enters ranked 13th in the middleweight division, moving up in weight for this contest. At six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, Costa brings significant physical advantages to the matchup. He lands a substantial 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, making him one of the more prolific offensive strikers on the roster.

Why it matters

• Murzakanov's unbeaten UFC run at 178 cm is the best ever recorded in the light heavyweight division, eclipsing Shamrock's historical benchmark.
• A win could push the 12th-ranked Russian firmly into title contention and toward a historic first — a sub-180 cm fighter challenging for the light heavyweight belt in nearly three decades.
• The style matchup pits Murzakanov's well-rounded southpaw game against Costa's high-volume, high-accuracy striking, with Costa holding a notable reach advantage of three inches.