Brazilian fans overwhelmingly support Murzakanov against countryman Costa

In an unusual show of national sentiment, Brazilian fans are rallying behind Azamat Murzakanov ahead of his bout against Brazilian fighter Paulo Costa. The support appears driven by Brazilian fans' frustration with Costa's controversial statements about the country, its culture, and political decisions. Fans have flooded Murzakanov's social media with messages promising to erect a statue in his honor if he knocks out Costa and declaring he would become a national hero on par with Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar. Comments include pledges that "Brazil is with you" and photoshopped images of Murzakanov wearing the Brazilian national team jersey. This represents a rare instance of fans turning against one of their own countrymen in favor of a foreign opponent. The backlash underscores the depth of discontent some Brazilians feel toward Costa's public commentary.