Brazilian fans support Murzakanov over countryman Costa ahead of fight

Brazilian MMA fans are overwhelmingly supporting Azamat Murzakanov in his upcoming fight against Brazilian Paulo Costa. Costa is being criticized heavily by his own countrymen due to controversial statements he has made about Brazil's culture and political decisions. Brazilian fans are writing supportive comments to Murzakanov, including promises to build him a monument if he knocks out Costa, declarations that Brazil is with him, and statements that he would become a national hero alongside Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar if victorious. Fans are also mass-posting photos of Murzakanov wearing Brazilian national team jerseys. The level of support from Brazilian fans for a foreign fighter over their own countryman is described as genuinely insane and unprecedented.