Brazilian fans back Murzakanov over countryman Costa

Brazilian MMA fans are overwhelmingly supporting Azamat Murzakanov in his upcoming fight against fellow Brazilian Paulo Costa, marking an unusual situation where locals cheer against their own countryman. The support for Murzakanov stems from Costa's controversial statements about Brazilian culture, politics, and the country itself, which have alienated him from his home fanbase. Brazilian fans are leaving comments on Murzakanov's social media promising to build him a statue if he knocks out Costa, declaring "Brazil is with you," and saying he would become a national hero on par with football legends Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar. Fans have even been photoshopping images of Murzakanov wearing the Brazilian national team jersey. The level of domestic animosity toward Costa has created this bizarre dynamic where a foreign fighter is receiving hometown hero treatment.