UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has given high marks to Paulo Costa's performance in his victory over Azamat Murzakanov. The post notes that Costa's finish was his first since 2018 against Uriah Hall. Additionally, it marks Costa's first winning streak of two or more fights since 2019, representing a significant career resurgence. Cormier's praise highlights Costa's impressive return to form after several challenging years.
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has publicly praised Paulo Costa following the Brazilian middleweight's victory over Azamat Murzakanov, calling it an impressive performance that signals a genuine career revival.
Costa, who competes at middleweight and holds a professional record of 16-4-0, enters the win as the division's 13th-ranked contender. The 35-year-old from Brazil fights out of Team Borracha and brings one of the most aggressive striking outputs in the division, averaging 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute at a remarkable 58 percent accuracy. The finish against Murzakanov was notable for more than just the victory itself — it marked Costa's first stoppage win since he finished Uriah Hall back in 2019, a gap of roughly seven years between finishes. It also represents his first winning streak of two or more consecutive fights since 2019, underscoring how significant the turnaround has been after several difficult years inside the octagon.
Cormier, the former two-division UFC champion turned broadcaster and analyst, carries a Hall of Fame resume built on a 22-3-0 record and a reputation as one of the sport's sharpest observers. His endorsement of Costa's resurgence carries weight given that pedigree.
Why it matters
- Costa's first finish since 2019 suggests his power and aggression are fully intact at 35
- A two-fight winning streak is his best run since his unbeaten rise ended in 2019, repositioning him at 13th in a crowded middleweight division
- Cormier's public praise raises Costa's profile heading into future contender conversations at 185 pounds
