Brazilian fans massively support Murzakanov over countryman Paulo Costa ahead of fight

Azamat Murzakanov is receiving overwhelming support from Brazilian fans despite facing Brazilian fighter Paulo Costa in an upcoming bout. Costa has drawn criticism from his own countrymen due to controversial statements about Brazil's culture, country, and political decisions. Brazilian fans are leaving comments on Murzakanov's social media promising to build him a monument if he knocks out Costa, declaring Brazil supports him, and suggesting a knockout would make him a national hero alongside Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar. Fans have also been posting photos of Murzakanov edited into Brazilian national team jerseys. This unusual situation sees a foreign fighter gaining home country support against a Brazilian due to Costa's unpopular public remarks.