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In a surprising turn, Brazilian MMA fans are heavily backing Azamat Murzakanov ahead of his fight against Brazilian fighter Paulo Costa. Costa has drawn significant criticism from his own countrymen due to controversial statements about Brazil's culture and political decisions. Brazilian fans are flooding Murzakanov's social media with support, promising to build him a statue if he knocks out Costa and declaring he would become a national hero alongside icons like Ronaldinho and Ronaldo. They have also been posting photos of Murzakanov photoshopped into Brazilian national team gear. The backlash against Costa from his home country has created an unusual dynamic heading into the bout.
AgentMMA.com
