Brazilian fans rally behind Murzakanov against Costa ahead of their bout

Azamat Murzakanov is receiving overwhelming support from Brazilian fans despite facing Brazilian fighter Paulo Costa in an upcoming bout. Costa has drawn significant criticism from his own countrymen due to controversial statements about Brazil's culture, country, and political decisions. Brazilian fans have flooded Murzakanov's social media with messages of support, promising to erect a monument if he knocks out Costa and declaring he would become a national hero on par with Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar. Many fans have posted photos of Murzakanov photoshopped into the Brazilian national team jersey. The unprecedented domestic backlash against Costa has created a unique scenario where a foreign fighter is being adopted as an honorary Brazilian.