Brazilian fans support Murtazaliev over countryman Costa

Brazilian MMA fans are overwhelmingly supporting Azamat Murtazaliev ahead of his fight against Brazilian Paulo Costa. Costa is being heavily criticized by his own countrymen due to controversial statements he has made about Brazil's culture, politics, and national decisions. Brazilian fans are flooding Murtazaliev's social media with messages of support, including promises to erect a statue in his honor if he knocks out Costa, declarations that Brazil stands with him, and comparisons to national heroes like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar. Fans are also posting photoshopped images of Murtazaliev wearing the Brazilian national team jersey. The level of domestic backlash against Costa has created an unusual scenario where a foreign fighter enjoys home-crowd support.