Daniel Cormier gave high marks to Paulo Costa following his victory over Azamat Murzakanov. Cormier noted that Costa looked exceptionally strong in the bout. The win was particularly significant as it marked Costa's first finish since defeating Uriah Hall in 2018. Additionally, this represents the first time since 2019 that Costa has won consecutive fights. Cormier emphasized that Costa was genuinely impressive in his performance.
Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier offered strong praise for Paulo Costa after the Brazilian middleweight's victory over Azamat Murzakanov, calling the performance genuinely impressive and noting that Costa looked exceptionally strong throughout the bout.
Costa, now 16-4 and ranked thirteenth in the middleweight division, delivered a result that carried layered significance. The finish was his first since he stopped Uriah Hall back in 2018, ending a stretch of nearly eight years without a stoppage victory. At 35 years old and standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, the Team Borracha product has long been regarded as one of the most physically imposing strikers in the division. His output numbers back that reputation — he lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, figures that rank among the best in the middleweight class.
The consecutive-win streak is equally notable. It marks the first time since 2019 that Costa has strung back-to-back victories together, a run that signals a degree of consistency he has struggled to maintain in recent years.
Cormier, a 22-fight winner and Hall of Fame-caliber analyst, made a point of emphasizing the quality of the effort rather than simply the result, suggesting the performance stood out even by the standards of a fighter known for highlight-reel moments.
Why it matters
- Costa's first finish in nearly eight years reignites his finishing reputation in a division built around knockouts
- Back-to-back wins for the first time since 2019 strengthen his case for a higher middleweight ranking than his current thirteenth position
- A high-volume striker landing at 58 percent accuracy finding his finishing touch again makes him a dangerous matchup for anyone in the top ten
