Brazilian fans massively support Murzakanov over countryman Costa

In an unusual turn of events, Brazilian fans are overwhelmingly supporting Azamat Murzakanov ahead of his bout against Brazilian Paulo Costa. The support stems from Costa's controversial statements about Brazil's country, culture, and political decisions, which have alienated many of his countrymen. Brazilian fans have been flooding Murzakanov's social media with messages of support, including promises to erect a statue in his honor if he knocks out Costa and declarations that he would become a national hero alongside Brazilian sports icons Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Neymar. Fans have even created and shared images of Murzakanov wearing the Brazilian national team uniform, treating the Russian fighter as an honorary Brazilian in their rivalry with Costa.