Daniel Cormier has given high praise to Paulo Costa's performance in his fight against Azamat Murzakanov. The post notes that Costa's last finish victory came back in 2018 against Uriah Hall. Additionally, the last time Costa was on a winning streak of two or more consecutive victories was in 2019. This win represents a significant career moment for Costa, breaking a long drought of finishes and potentially revitalizing his career trajectory in the light heavyweight division.
Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier has publicly lauded Paulo Costa following Costa's finish victory over Azamat Murzakanov, calling it an impressive performance from the Brazilian striker.
Costa, who carries a 16-4-0 record and is ranked thirteenth in the middleweight division, made a notable statement by securing the finish — his first since stopping Uriah Hall back in 2018. The 35-year-old from Brazil, who trains out of Team Borracha, has long been regarded as one of the sport's most explosive pressure fighters. Standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, Costa averages an eye-catching 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, numbers that reflect just how dangerous he can be when his offense is clicking. The win also marks his first back-to-back victories since a winning streak he put together in 2019, making it a meaningful turnaround in what had become a frustrating stretch of his career.
Cormier, the 47-year-old retired champion with a 22-3-0 professional record, is one of the most respected voices in combat sports media, and his endorsement of Costa's performance carries genuine weight among fans and fighters alike.
Why it matters
- Costa's first finish in roughly seven years signals a potential resurgence after a difficult run of results
- Back-to-back wins for the first time since 2019 give Costa momentum he has not had in years
- The praise from a credible figure like Cormier could elevate Costa's profile heading into future divisional matchmaking
- A revitalized Costa at light heavyweight adds a dangerous striking presence to an already competitive division
