Daniel Cormier gave high marks to Paulo Costa's performance in his victory over Azamat Murzakanov. The post notes that Costa's last finish came in 2018 against Uriah Hall, making this a significant return to form. Costa had not been on a winning streak of two or more fights since 2019. The commentary suggests Costa's performance was impressive given his recent struggles. Cormier's analysis highlights the quality of Costa's work in the fight.
Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier offered strong praise for Paulo Costa following Costa's victory over Azamat Murzakanov, calling the Brazilian's performance an impressive display that signaled a meaningful resurgence.
Costa, 35, carries a 16-4-0 professional record and currently sits ranked thirteenth in the UFC middleweight division. Fighting out of Team Borracha with an orthodox stance, the six-foot-one Brazilian brings a physically imposing frame and one of the most aggressive striking outputs in the division, averaging 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. The win over Murzakanov was notable on multiple fronts. According to the commentary surrounding the fight, Costa's last recorded finish had come back in 2018 against Uriah Hall, making the stoppage a long-awaited return to the kind of decisive form that once defined him. On top of that, Costa had not strung together two consecutive wins since 2019, adding further weight to what this result represents in his career trajectory.
Hall, now 41 with an 18-11-0 record, was the opponent on the receiving end of that 2018 finish. The Jamaican fighter owns a 79-inch reach — among the longest in the middleweight division — and averages 3.23 significant strikes per minute.
Cormier, who retired with a 22-3-0 record and built his reputation as one of the sport's sharpest analysts since stepping away from competition, highlighted the quality of Costa's work in his post-fight breakdown.
Why it matters
- Costa snapping a lengthy finish drought suggests his power and finishing instincts remain intact
- Back-to-back wins end a prolonged stretch without consecutive victories, restoring his relevance in the middleweight rankings
- A ranked competitor returning to form at number thirteen creates new matchmaking possibilities in a crowded 185-pound division
