Paulo Costa has announced his intention to fight in both the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions, with ambitions to become a title contender in each weight class. Costa clarified that his move to light heavyweight is not due to difficulty making middleweight, but rather a strategic decision based on receiving a good opportunity at 205 pounds. He emphasized that the move to light heavyweight was carefully planned and that he remains capable of competing at middleweight. Costa is currently scheduled to face Azamat Murzakanov at light heavyweight at UFC 327. His dual-division strategy represents an ambitious approach to his UFC career moving forward.
Paulo Costa has announced plans to compete across two weight classes simultaneously, targeting title contention at both middleweight and light heavyweight as he heads into UFC 327 on April 11.
The 35-year-old Brazilian, known as "The Eraser," carries a 16-4 record and is currently ranked 13th in the middleweight division. Standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, Costa has long been regarded as one of the more physically imposing fighters in the 185-pound class. His offensive output backs that reputation, with 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute and a striking accuracy of 58 percent. Costa was clear that his move up to light heavyweight is not a weight-cutting concession but a deliberate strategic choice, driven by what he described as a strong opportunity at 205 pounds. He stressed that he remains fully capable of returning to middleweight and intends to pursue contendership in both divisions.
At UFC 327, Costa steps up to light heavyweight to face Azamat Murzakanov, a bout that will serve as his first test at the higher weight class.
Why it matters
- Costa's presence at light heavyweight adds a proven, high-volume striker to a division always looking for fresh contenders
- His middleweight ranking at 13th means a strong run at 205 pounds could elevate his profile and negotiating leverage across both divisions
- A fighter with Costa's striking output — over six significant strikes per minute — poses a stylistic challenge regardless of weight class
- Success in a dual-division campaign would mark one of the more ambitious career pivots in the current middleweight landscape
Saturday, April 11, 2026
