Brazilian fans heavily support Murzakanov against countryman Costa

Brazilian MMA fans are overwhelmingly supporting Azamat Murzakanov ahead of his fight against Brazilian fighter Paulo Costa. The support appears driven by Costa's controversial statements about Brazil, its culture, and political decisions, which have alienated him from his own fanbase. Brazilian fans are leaving comments on Murzakanov's social media promising to erect a statue in his honor if he knocks out Costa, declaring "Brazil is with you," and stating he would become a national hero alongside Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar if he wins. Fans are also mass-posting photos of Murzakanov edited into Brazilian national team uniforms. This represents an unusual situation where a foreign fighter receives more support from Brazilian fans than their own countryman due to Costa's polarizing public statements.