Paulo Costa is leveraging the UFC 327 fight week to fuel a feud with Russian fighters and intensify his campaign to secure a grudge match against Khamzat Chimaev.
In Miami, Costa is set to face undefeated Russian contender Azamat Murzakanov in his light heavyweight debut at UFC 327 on April 11. This co-main event bout has the potential to propel him directly into title contention. The Brazilian, a former middleweight title challenger with a 15–4 record, has gained muscle for his move to the 205-pound division. He has positioned Murzakanov, who boasts an undefeated 16–0 record, as the second consecutive Russian fighter he intends to defeat.
During a media day session, Costa stated that he “likes to fight Russians” and acknowledged their toughness. However, he then shifted the narrative towards a more antagonistic tone to promote the fight.
“I hate Russians. This is the second one in a row that I’m gonna put on my record, and the third one maybe Chimaev. I want him next after beating this fat guy.”
Paulo Costa’s Animosity Towards Russian Fighters
This narrative began months prior when Paulo Costa posted an image and message targeting “bald, chubby Russians,” a comment widely interpreted as a jab at Murzakanov’s physique. He has continued this theme in interviews and public appearances, blending humor with pointed remarks about Russian fighters in general. A recent social media headline captured his sentiment, quoting Costa as saying he “hates these f—king Russians” and vowing to call out Chimaev if he wins at UFC 327.
Chimaev remains the ultimate target of much of Costa’s verbal sparring. The rivalry between the two has been simmering since their initial booking for UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi in October 2023, a fight that was canceled when Costa withdrew due to surgery for an infected elbow. Chimaev remained on the card, extended his undefeated streak, and subsequently captured the middleweight title by defeating Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319. Costa has closely followed Chimaev’s ascent, attending events and using interviews to maintain his connection to the champion.
Khamzat Chimaev of Russia reacts after a unanimous-decision victory against Dricus Du Plessis of South Africa in the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 319 event.
UFC 327 Prospects
Leading up to UFC 327, Costa has expressed his readiness to face Chimaev in either the middleweight or light heavyweight division, asserting his ability to move between weight classes depending on the outcome of his debut at 205 pounds. Earlier this year, he argued that a decisive victory over Murzakanov should place him “in line” for a fight with Chimaev, whether that means a title shot at 185 pounds or a high-profile non-title bout. He views Murzakanov as a stepping stone in a sequence of Russian opponents, with Chimaev being the third fighter he desires to face.
Azamat Murzakanov of Russia drops Aleksandar Rakic of Austria in a light heavyweight fight during the UFC 321 event.
For now, Costa’s immediate focus is on Murzakanov, a compact, powerful wrestler with an undefeated streak who aims to disrupt Costa’s light heavyweight debut. However, Costa has made it clear that his attention is divided, actively planning his next move: defeat Murzakanov, whom he referred to as a “fat guy” in a recent jab, and then use the platform to challenge Chimaev into the cage.
