Light heavyweight contender Azamat Murzakanov has jokingly suggested what needs to be done to ensure his fight with Paulo Costa actually takes place. Murzakanov implied that doors should be locked to prevent Costa from backing out. The comment appears to reference Costa's history of fight cancellations and weight-cutting issues. The post was met with mixed reactions, with some finding it humorous while others expressed confidence that Costa will make it to the cage. Their fight is scheduled for UFC 327 on April 11, 2026.
Azamat Murzakanov took a pointed jab at Paulo Costa on social media ahead of their scheduled light heavyweight bout at UFC 327 on April 11, 2026, joking that doors would need to be locked to keep his opponent from finding a way out before fight night.
Murzakanov, nicknamed "The Professional," carries a 16-1-0 record into the contest and is ranked 12th in the light heavyweight division. The 37-year-old Russian, who trains out of K Dojo Warrior Tribe, fights out of a southpaw stance and stands five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach. He lands 4.7 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 57 percent and adds a modest takedown threat at 0.55 per 15 minutes.
Costa, known as "The Eraser," brings a 16-4-0 record and sits 13th in the divisional rankings — though he is listed as a middleweight by trade, making this a notable step up in weight class. The 35-year-old Brazilian, who represents Team Borracha, stands six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach and is one of the sport's most prolific volume strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy clip. His submission attempt rate is zero, underscoring his identity as a pure striker.
Murzakanov's quip appears to reference Costa's well-documented history of fight cancellations and weight-cutting difficulties, a topic that has followed the Brazilian throughout his career. Reactions online were divided, with some fans laughing along while others defended Costa and expressed confidence he would show up ready to compete.
Why it matters
- Murzakanov needs a high-profile win to climb from the 12th spot in a competitive light heavyweight division
- Costa is stepping up from middleweight, adding an unusual dynamic to the matchup
- Both fighters are aggressive strikers, setting up a potentially entertaining stand-up exchange
- The social media exchange has raised the pre-fight profile of a bout that might otherwise have flown under the radar
Saturday, April 11, 2026
