Brazilian fans back Murzakanov over countryman Costa ahead of fight

Brazilian MMA fans are strongly supporting Azamat Murzakanov in his upcoming fight against fellow Brazilian Paulo Costa, creating an unusual dynamic. Brazilian fans are posting comments promising to erect a monument to Murzakanov if he knocks out Costa and declaring he would become a national hero alongside Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar. The intense support from Costa's own countrymen stems from his controversial statements about Brazil's culture and political decisions, which have alienated many local fans. Fans have even been photoshopping images of Murzakanov wearing the Brazilian national team jersey. This represents an extraordinary situation where a fighter's compatriots are actively rooting against him in favor of his foreign opponent.