Daniel Cormier praises Paulo Costa's performance against Murzakanov

Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier offered strong praise for Paulo Costa following the Brazilian's victory over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 on April 11, calling it an impressive showing that signals a career resurgence.

Costa, who carries a 16-4-0 record and is currently ranked thirteenth in the middleweight division, made the move up to light heavyweight for the bout. The 35-year-old from Brazil fights out of Team Borracha and has long been regarded as one of the sport's most aggressive strikers, averaging 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute with a striking accuracy of 58 percent. The finish of Murzakanov marked his first stoppage victory since he defeated Uriah Hall back in 2018, ending a stretch of nearly eight years without a finish on his record. It also represents his first winning streak of two or more consecutive victories since 2019, underscoring just how significant a turnaround this performance represents.

Hall, now 41 and holding an 18-11-0 record, has remained a recognizable name in the sport, though that 2018 defeat to Costa remains a notable entry on his ledger. The Jamaican fighter averages 3.23 significant strikes per minute and carries a 48 percent striking accuracy.

Cormier, the 47-year-old Hall of Famer with a 22-3-0 career record, has transitioned into one of the sport's most prominent broadcast voices, and his endorsement of a performance carries weight among fans and fighters alike.

Why it matters

• Costa's first stoppage win in roughly eight years suggests he has rediscovered his finishing instincts
• The move to light heavyweight opens a new chapter and a fresh pool of opponents for the Brazilian
• A second consecutive win breaks a pattern of inconsistency that had defined Costa's recent career, putting him back in divisional conversations