Paulo Costa is set to face Azamat Murzakanov at light heavyweight in UFC 327 on April 11 in Miami. The Brazilian fighter moved up from middleweight for this opportunity but plans to return to 185 pounds afterward. Costa also expressed interest in a showdown with Khamzat Chimaev in any weight class following a victory.
Paulo Costa, with a record of 15-4 in MMA and 7-4 in the UFC, will meet undefeated Azamat Murzakanov, who stands at 16-0 overall and 6-0 in the UFC, in a 205-pound bout at UFC 327. The event is scheduled for April 11 at the Kaseya Center in Miami and will air on Paramount+.
Costa recently snapped a two-fight losing streak with a win over Roman Kopylov at UFC 318. He was originally slated to fight Brunno Ferreira at UFC 326 but withdrew for undisclosed reasons. Explaining his shift to light heavyweight, Costa said on "The Ariel Helwani Show," "For this fight, because there was a good opportunity to fight somebody well ranked at light heavyweight. Middleweight was a little bit – nobody was available, so this is a good match, a good opportunity to fight a good fighter, and be working, be busy. I can make 185 anytime."
Murzakanov, ranked No. 6 in the light heavyweight division, was previously set to face Magomed Ankalaev. Costa views the matchup as significant, stating, "He's undefeated, and he's No. 6. He was supposed to fight Magomed Ankalaev, so he's a good name. He's the best name that was available for me right now."
Despite the move up in weight, Costa emphasized flexibility, adding, "We don't know. I'm just saying we can go back to 185 anytime. It's not something I can't make anymore. I can fight at middleweight, as well, but I just saw the opportunity, so I don't know. Let's see after this fight what's going on."
Looking ahead, Costa has voiced interest in facing Khamzat Chimaev, saying he is ready for the bout in any weight class if he wins at UFC 327.