Azamat Murzakanov has established himself as the most successful UFC light heavyweight fighter standing 179cm or shorter, boasting a perfect 6-0 record in the division. The post provides historical context by listing the shortest light heavyweights in UFC history, noting that Frank Shamrock (5-0 at 178cm) previously held distinction in this category. If Murzakanov reaches a title fight, he would be the first fighter under 180cm to compete for the light heavyweight championship in 27 years. Murzakanov is scheduled to face Paulo Costa at UFC 327 this Saturday. The analysis highlights that previous champions Daniel Cormier and Rashad Evans were both exactly 180cm tall.
Azamat Murzakanov has carved out a unique statistical distinction in the UFC light heavyweight division ahead of his scheduled bout against Paulo Costa at UFC 327 on April 11.
Standing five-foot-ten, or 178 cm, the Russian contender holds a perfect 6-0 record inside the octagon at 205 pounds, making him the most successful UFC light heavyweight in history among fighters measuring 179 cm or shorter. Murzakanov carries an overall professional record of 16-1-0 and is currently ranked twelfth in the division at 37 years old. Fighting out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe as a southpaw, he lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at a 57 percent accuracy rate, complementing his ground work with 0.55 takedowns per 15 minutes.
The distinction carries historical weight. Frank Shamrock, who stood 178 cm, previously went 5-0 in the division and held a similar claim to this niche record. Former champions Daniel Cormier and Rashad Evans both stood exactly 180 cm, meaning a title shot for Murzakanov would make him the first fighter under that threshold to compete for the light heavyweight championship in 27 years.
Standing in his way is Paulo Costa, who moves up from middleweight for this contest. The Brazilian, nicknamed The Eraser, enters at 16-4-0 and is ranked thirteenth at middleweight. Costa is 35 years old, stands six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, and brings one of the most aggressive striking outputs in the sport at 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute on 58 percent accuracy. He trains out of Team Borracha and competes from an orthodox stance.
Why it matters
- A Murzakanov win likely strengthens his case for a top-ten ranking and potential title contention at light heavyweight
- Costa moving up in weight adds divisional intrigue and tests his power against a larger frame
- The size contrast is stark: Costa holds a seven-centimeter height advantage and a three-centimeter reach edge over Murzakanov
Saturday, April 11, 2026
