Azamat Murzakanov suggests locking doors to ensure Paulo Costa shows up

Azamat Murzakanov took a playful shot at his upcoming UFC 327 opponent Paulo Costa on social media, joking that the doors should be locked to make sure Costa actually makes it to the cage when the two meet on April 11.

The quip drew a range of reactions, with some agreeing it would be a "good measure" while others expressed confidence Costa would show up without any need for additional precautions. Murzakanov kept the tone lighthearted, though the comment points to a degree of uncertainty — or at least good-natured ribbing — surrounding the matchup.

Murzakanov, nicknamed "The Professional," carries a 16-1-0 record and is ranked 12th in the light heavyweight division. The 37-year-old Russian out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe stands five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach and fights out of a southpaw stance. He lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy and adds 0.55 takedowns per 15 minutes.

Costa, known as "The Eraser," enters the bout ranked 13th at middleweight with a 16-4-0 record. The 35-year-old Brazilian trains with Team Borracha and brings considerably more volume on the feet, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 58 percent accuracy. Standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, the orthodox striker has not recorded a submission attempt in his UFC career.

Why it matters

• The fight pits a light heavyweight contender against a middleweight standout in what shapes up as a striking-heavy matchup
• Both men sit just outside the top ten in their respective divisions, giving each a chance to build momentum toward bigger opportunities
• Costa's higher striking output against Murzakanov's southpaw angles and takedown threat creates an intriguing stylistic contrast