Brazilian fans support Murzakanov over Costa ahead of fight

Brazilian fans are overwhelmingly supporting Azamat Murzakanov in his upcoming fight against fellow Brazilian Paulo Costa, creating an unusual situation where a Brazilian fighter is being rejected by his own countrymen. The support for Murzakanov stems from Costa's controversial statements about Brazilian culture, politics, and the country itself. Brazilian fans have written messages to Murzakanov promising to build him a statue if he knocks out Costa and declaring him a potential national hero alongside football legends Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar. Many fans have also posted photos of Murzakanov photoshopped into Brazilian national team jerseys. The level of Brazilian animosity toward Costa and support for his opponent has been described as truly crazy.