Paulo Costa has stated his intention to fight in both the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions simultaneously. The Brazilian says he doesn't just want to compete in both weight classes, but aims to be a title contender in each. Costa clarified that his move to light heavyweight is not because he cannot make middleweight, but rather because he received a good opportunity at 205 pounds. He emphasized that fighting at light heavyweight is part of a calculated plan rather than a necessity. Costa is scheduled to face Azamat Murzakanov at light heavyweight this weekend at UFC 327.
Paulo Costa has declared his intention to compete across two weight classes at once, telling fans and media ahead of UFC 327 that he plans to pursue title contention at both middleweight and light heavyweight simultaneously.
The Brazilian slugger, nicknamed "The Eraser," enters this weekend's card carrying a 16-4-0 professional record and currently sits ranked thirteenth in the middleweight division. Costa is 35 years old and trains out of Team Borracha. Known for his aggressive striking output, he lands an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate — numbers that reflect the pressure-heavy style he has built his career on. He was clear that his light heavyweight debut is not a sign that he can no longer make the 185-pound limit, framing the move instead as a calculated opportunity rather than a weight-cut concession.
Standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, Costa has the frame to compete at 205 pounds without significant physical disadvantage against natural light heavyweights. His opponent this Saturday at UFC 327 is Azamat Murzakanov, with the bout serving as Costa's first official appearance in the light heavyweight division.
Why it matters
- Costa's dual-division ambition adds a rare layer of stakes to his light heavyweight debut — a strong showing would lend credibility to his contender claims at 205 pounds.
- At the same time, his middleweight ranking of thirteenth means a run toward the 185-pound title remains a long-term project that a successful side campaign could complement or complicate.
- The stylistic fit at light heavyweight is worth watching: Costa's high-volume, high-accuracy striking translates across weight classes, but how his durability holds against bigger opposition is an open question the Murzakanov fight will begin to answer.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
