Daniel Cormier gave high praise to Paulo Costa for his performance in his fight against Azamat Murzakanov. Costa's finish victory was particularly noteworthy as it marked his first stoppage win since 2018 when he defeated Uriah Hall. Additionally, this represented Costa's first winning streak of two or more consecutive victories since 2019. Cormier emphasized that Costa looked very impressive in the bout. The victory appears to have been a significant career milestone for Costa after several years without a knockout finish.
Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier publicly lauded Paulo Costa following Costa's finish victory over Azamat Murzakanov, calling the Brazilian middleweight's performance very impressive.
Costa, now 16-4 and ranked 13th in the middleweight division, delivered a stoppage win that carried notable historical weight for his career. The 35-year-old from Brazil had not secured a finish since 2018, when he stopped Uriah Hall to continue his then-unbeaten run. The Murzakanov victory also snapped a longer drought in terms of momentum — it gave Costa his first winning streak of two or more consecutive victories since 2019. Known for his aggressive output, Costa lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 58 percent, making him one of the more prolific and precise pressure fighters in the division.
Cormier, the 47-year-old retired veteran who carries a 22-3 professional record, offered his assessment through media commentary. His praise underscored the significance of Costa rediscovering the finishing ability that once made him one of the most feared strikers in the 185-pound weight class.
For context, Hall — the man Costa stopped back in 2018 — is a veteran of the division in his own right, holding an 18-11 record and possessing a 79-inch reach that has made him a difficult opponent for many throughout his career.
Why it matters
- Costa's first stoppage since 2018 signals a potential return to the form that made him a title contender
- A second consecutive victory gives Costa his first winning streak in over six years, strengthening his standing at number 13 in the middleweight rankings
- Cormier's public endorsement draws wider attention to Costa's resurgence at 35 years old
- The performance may prompt conversations about where Costa fits in the broader middleweight landscape
