Azamat Murzakanov, standing 178 cm tall, holds 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. Frank Shamrock previously held the best record at 5-0 at the same height. If Murzakanov fights for the title, he would be the first contender under 180 cm to challenge for the light heavyweight belt in 27 years, since fighters like Daniel Cormier and Rashad Evans were both exactly 180 cm. The analysis includes historical data on the shortest light heavyweights in UFC history, with some standing as short as 170 cm. Murzakanov is scheduled to face Paulo Costa at UFC 327 this Saturday.
Azamat Murzakanov has carved out a place in UFC history before his next fight even takes place, with the light heavyweight contender now holding the best record among fighters standing under 180 cm in the division's history — a perfect 6-0 inside the octagon.
Murzakanov, known as "The Professional," enters UFC 327 ranked 12th in the light heavyweight division with an overall record of 16-1-0. The 37-year-old Russian, who stands five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach, trains out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe and fights from a southpaw stance. He lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at a 57 percent accuracy rate, and his unbeaten UFC run surpasses the previous benchmark of five wins set by Frank Shamrock at the same height.
Standing across from him will be Paulo Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," a Brazilian veteran ranked 13th in the middleweight division with a 16-4-0 record. The 35-year-old orthodox striker is listed at six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach — seven centimeters taller than Murzakanov. Costa lands a remarkable 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, making him one of the more prolific offensive fighters on the roster. He averages just 0.32 takedowns per 15 minutes and has no recorded submission attempts, signaling a near-total commitment to stand-up warfare.
Why it matters
- A Murzakanov victory would push his UFC record to 7-0 and strengthen a potential title shot that would be historically rare for a fighter his size
- Should he contend for the light heavyweight belt, Murzakanov would become the first challenger under 180 cm in that division in 27 years
- Costa's elite striking volume against Murzakanov's accurate, high-output southpaw style sets up a genuine test of durability and technical output
- The size and reach disadvantage Murzakanov carries into the fight adds further weight to his historical standing if he prevails
Saturday, April 11, 2026
