Azamat Murzakanov, standing at 178cm tall, has achieved a perfect 6-0 record in the UFC light heavyweight division, making him the most successful fighter under 180cm in the division's history. He surpasses other notable shorter light heavyweights including Frank Shamrock who went 5-0 at the same height. If Murzakanov reaches a title fight, he would be the first challenger under 180cm to compete for the light heavyweight belt in 27 years. Murzakanov is scheduled to face Paulo Costa at UFC 327 this Saturday. The post notes that previous champions like Daniel Cormier and Rashad Evans were exactly 180cm tall.
Azamat Murzakanov has quietly built the most impressive record among shorter fighters in UFC light heavyweight history, and he takes another step forward when he faces Paulo Costa at UFC 327 on April 11.
Standing five-foot-ten, or 178 centimeters, Murzakanov has gone a perfect 6-0 inside the UFC's 205-pound division, giving him the best record the promotion has seen from a light heavyweight standing under 180 centimeters. That mark edges out Frank Shamrock, who also stood at 178 centimeters and finished his UFC light heavyweight run at 5-0. Should Murzakanov earn a title shot, he would become the first challenger under 180 centimeters to compete for the light heavyweight belt in 27 years.
The 37-year-old Russian, fighting out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe, carries an overall professional record of 16-1 and is currently ranked 12th in the division. A southpaw with a 180-centimeter reach, Murzakanov lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at a 57 percent accuracy rate, mixing in 0.55 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Standing across from him will be Paulo Costa, the Brazilian known as "The Eraser," who moves up from middleweight for this contest. Costa, ranked 13th at 185 pounds, is 35 years old and brings a 16-4 professional record. At 185 centimeters tall with a 183-centimeter reach, he holds a notable size advantage. Costa is one of the more prolific strikers in recent UFC history, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate.
Why it matters
- A Murzakanov win would further cement his status as a historically unique figure in the light heavyweight division and push him toward title contention
- Costa's move to 205 pounds adds divisional intrigue, as his striking output will be tested against a live-ranked light heavyweight
- The size and reach gap between the two fighters makes for a compelling stylistic contrast at the championship-distance stakes of a pay-per-view main card
Saturday, April 11, 2026
