Paulo Costa is zeroing in on light heavyweight ahead of UFC 327, while insisting he remains a threat at middleweight as well.
Costa meets Azamat Murzakanov in the co-main event at Kaseya Center, a bout he believes could carry major stakes at 205 pounds. He has added mass and adjusted his weight cut for the move up, and is currently fully focused on light heavyweight going into fight night.
"I'm not fighting at 205 because I cannot make 185 – that is not the case," Costa said. "I planned that, and I just saw a good opportunity to fight at light heavyweight, and I said, 'Why not?' I can fight at both divisions, both weight classes at the same time, and be a contender at both of them."
Looking at what could come next, Costa added, "I think the winner of this fight can be in a very good spot and be the next title shot contender."
A vacant light heavyweight title fight between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg headlines UFC 327, and Costa plans to keep a close eye on it. "I'm going to watch this fight closely. I think this is a good fight as well."
Assessing his matchup with Murzakanov, Costa said, "I like to fight Russians. They are tough, as the Brazilians are. … I'm going to beat him. Training camp happened in a very good way. Fine. No injuries or issues."
