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Paulo Costa Moves to Light Heavyweight, Set to Face Unbeaten Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 in Miami

The reported matchup offers Costa a reset at 205 against a 16-0 contender known for knockout power.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets report Costa vs. Murzakanov for April 11 at Miami’s Kaseya Center, with Costa acknowledging the booking as the UFC has yet to formally announce it.
  • The bout marks Costa’s move to light heavyweight shortly after he withdrew from a scheduled middleweight fight with Brunno Ferreira at UFC 326.
  • Murzakanov enters at 16-0 with a 6-0 UFC record and five knockouts, including a first-round stoppage of Aleksandar Rakic in 2025.
  • Costa is coming off a July 2025 decision win over Roman Kopylov following losses to former champions Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker.
  • This will be Costa’s second appearance at 205 after a 2021 fight with Marvin Vettori was shifted up due to weight issues, and a victory could elevate the winner in the light heavyweight pecking order.