Brazilian fans massively support Murzakanov over compatriot Costa

Brazilian MMA fans are overwhelmingly supporting Azamat Murzakanov in his upcoming fight against fellow Brazilian Paulo Costa, creating an unusual scenario where they are backing a foreign fighter over one of their own. The support appears to stem from Costa's controversial statements about Brazil, including criticism of the country's culture and political decisions, which have alienated him from his home fanbase. Brazilian fans are flooding Murzakanov's social media with messages of support, including promises to build him a statue if he knocks out Costa, declarations that Brazil supports him, and comparisons to national heroes like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar. Fans are also posting images of Murzakanov photoshopped into Brazilian national team jerseys. This represents a remarkable reversal of typical national loyalty in combat sports, with Costa's domestic fanbase turning against him in favor of his opponent.