Brazilian MMA fans are overwhelmingly supporting Azamat Murzakanov ahead of his fight with their own countryman Paulo Costa. The unusual phenomenon stems from Costa's controversial statements about Brazil, its culture, and political decisions, which have alienated him from his home fanbase. Brazilian fans are leaving comments promising to build Murzakanov a monument if he knocks out Costa, declaring that Brazil supports him, and even suggesting he would become a national hero on par with Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar. Fans have also been mass-posting photoshopped images of Murzakanov wearing the Brazilian national team jersey.
