Azamat Murzakanov Holds Best Record Among Shorter Light Heavyweights in UFC

Azamat Murzakanov has quietly built one of the more remarkable statistical footnotes in UFC light heavyweight history, and heading into UFC 327 on April 11, that footnote is becoming harder to ignore. The Russian contender, standing at 178 cm, holds a 6-0 UFC record, making him the winningest light heavyweight in promotional history among fighters 179 cm or shorter — surpassing Frank Shamrock, who went 5-0 in the category.

Murzakanov, 37, carries an overall professional record of 16-1-0 and is ranked 12th in the light heavyweight division. Fighting out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe as a southpaw, he lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy. Should he reach a title fight, he would become the first fighter under 180 cm to compete for the light heavyweight championship in 27 years. For context, both Daniel Cormier — a two-division champion standing at 180 cm — and Rashad Evans at the same height previously held that distinction.

Standing across from Murzakanov at UFC 327 is Paulo Costa, who moves up from middleweight for this contest. "The Eraser" from Brazil is ranked 13th at middleweight and carries a 16-4-0 record at 35 years old. Costa measures 185 cm with a 183 cm reach, giving him a significant size advantage. He is one of the more prolific volume strikers in recent UFC history, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy.

Why it matters

• A Murzakanov win would strengthen the historical case for shorter fighters competing at the top of a traditionally tall division.
• At 12th in the rankings, a strong performance could push him into the top ten and closer to title contention.
• The size and reach disparity between the two men — Costa holds a seven-centimeter height edge and a three-centimeter reach advantage — sets up a notable stylistic test for Murzakanov.
• Costa's near-zero submission activity and Murzakanov's limited grappling output points toward a striking-heavy contest.