Brazilian fans support Murzakanov over Costa ahead of their bout

In an unusual display, Brazilian MMA fans are heavily supporting Azamat Murzakanov over their own countryman Paulo Costa ahead of their upcoming fight. The support for Murzakanov stems from widespread discontent among Brazilians with Costa's controversial statements about the country, its culture, and political decisions. Brazilian fans have flooded Murzakanov's social media with supportive messages, including promises to erect a statue in his honor if he knocks out Costa and claims that a victory would make him a national hero on par with Brazilian sports legends like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar. Fans have also been posting photoshopped images of Murzakanov wearing the Brazilian national team jersey. The level of domestic opposition Costa faces is described as truly extraordinary and unprecedented.