Daniel Cormier has given a high evaluation of Paulo Costa's performance in his fight against Azamat Murzakanov. The post notes that Costa's last finish victory came in 2018 against Uriah Hall. Costa's last winning streak of two or more consecutive wins dates back to 2019. This victory represents a significant return to form for Costa in terms of finishing fights. Cormier's praise highlights the quality of Costa's performance after a period without finishes.
Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier has publicly praised Paulo Costa following Costa's finishing victory over Azamat Murzakanov, calling it an impressive performance that signals a return to form for the Brazilian middleweight.
Costa, known by his nickname "The Eraser," enters the record books at 16-4-0 and sits ranked thirteenth in the middleweight division. The 35-year-old from Brazil trains out of Team Borracha and carries a reputation as one of the division's most aggressive strikers, landing an eye-catching 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. What made the Murzakanov result particularly noteworthy, however, is the context surrounding it: Costa's previous finish had come back in 2018, when he stopped Uriah Hall, and his last winning streak of two or more consecutive victories dated to 2019. The stoppage of Murzakanov therefore represents a meaningful milestone in what had been a difficult stretch of his career.
Cormier, the 47-year-old retired champion who now works as a prominent media figure, offered a high evaluation of Costa's output in the bout. His commentary drew attention to the quality of the display rather than simply the result, suggesting Costa looked like a different fighter compared to his recent outings.
Why it matters
- Costa's first finish since 2018 ends a lengthy drought and could strengthen his case for a higher-profile middleweight matchup.
- A return to finishing form for a striker averaging over six significant strikes per minute makes him a more dangerous proposition at 185 pounds.
- Endorsement from a credible voice like Cormier amplifies the performance's visibility and may accelerate Costa's climb back up the divisional rankings from his current thirteenth-place position.
