Azamat Murzakanov holds a 6-0 record in the UFC light heavyweight division, making him the most successful fighter under 179 cm tall in the division's history. At 178 cm, he surpasses Frank Shamrock's 5-0 record at the same height. If Murzakanov fights for the title, he would be the first challenger under 180 cm to compete for the light heavyweight belt in 27 years. This Saturday, Murzakanov faces Paulo Costa at UFC 327 in Miami.
Azamat Murzakanov has quietly built one of the most remarkable records in UFC light heavyweight history, and heading into UFC 327 on April 11 in Miami, the Russian contender carries a statistical distinction that sets him apart from every compact fighter to compete in the division.
Murzakanov, standing five-foot-ten at 178 cm, is 6-0 inside the UFC octagon at light heavyweight, making him the most successful fighter under 179 cm in the division's history. That mark eclipses the 5-0 run Frank Shamrock posted at the same height. Should Murzakanov eventually fight for the title, he would become the first challenger under 180 cm to compete for the light heavyweight belt in 27 years.
The 37-year-old from Russia carries an overall professional record of 16-1-0 and sits ranked 12th in the light heavyweight division. Fighting out of a southpaw stance for K Dojo Warrior Tribe, he lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at a 57 percent accuracy rate and adds 0.55 takedowns per 15 minutes to his offensive repertoire.
Standing across from him Saturday night is Paulo Costa, who moves up from middleweight for this contest. The Brazilian known as "The Eraser" is 35 years old and holds a professional record of 16-4-0, currently ranked 13th at middleweight. Costa brings serious striking credentials: 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute at 58 percent accuracy, among the highest output figures in the sport. He attempts virtually no submissions and averages just 0.32 takedowns per 15 minutes, signaling a fight that figures to play out almost entirely on the feet.
Why it matters
- Murzakanov's 6-0 UFC run at 178 cm is a divisional record for fighters under 179 cm, surpassing Frank Shamrock's historic mark
- A strong performance could push the Russian further into title contention in a crowded light heavyweight picture
- Costa's elite striking volume against Murzakanov's southpaw pressure creates a compelling style collision between two power-based fighters
Saturday, April 11, 2026
