Brazilian MMA fans are overwhelmingly supporting Azamat Murzakanov in his upcoming fight against fellow Brazilian Paulo Costa. The unusual support for a foreign fighter over their own countryman stems from Costa's controversial statements about Brazil, its culture, and political decisions. Brazilian fans have flooded Murzakanov's social media with messages promising to erect a statue in his honor if he knocks out Costa, and some have even posted photos of Murzakanov in Brazilian national team colors. Comments suggest that defeating Costa would make Murzakanov a national hero on par with Brazilian sports icons like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar.
