Brazilian fans support Murzakanov over Costa ahead of their fight

Brazilian fans are overwhelmingly supporting Azamat Murzakanov over fellow Brazilian Paulo Costa in their upcoming fight. The unusual phenomenon stems from Costa's controversial statements about Brazil's country, culture, and political decisions, which have alienated his own countrymen. Brazilian fans have flooded Murzakanov's social media with supportive messages, including promises to erect a monument if he knocks out Costa and declarations that a victory would make him a national hero alongside Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar. Fans have also been posting photoshopped images of Murzakanov wearing the Brazilian national team jersey. This represents a rare case where Brazilian MMA fans are actively rooting against one of their own fighters.