Brazilian fans support Murzakanov over countryman Costa

Brazilian MMA fans are overwhelmingly supporting Azamat Murzakanov ahead of his fight against Brazilian Paulo Costa, creating an unusual situation where a foreign fighter receives home crowd support. Brazilian fans are turning against Costa primarily due to controversial statements he has made about his own country, culture, and political decisions. Social media comments from Brazilians include promises to build Murzakanov a monument if he knocks out Costa, declarations of support, and suggestions he would become a national hero on par with Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar. Fans have even been posting photoshopped images of Murzakanov wearing Brazilian national team jerseys, highlighting the depth of anti-Costa sentiment among his own countrymen.