Paulo Costa is using his UFC 327 light heavyweight debut as a springboard toward a future showdown with Khamzat Chimaev.
Costa is moving up to the 205-pound division and will make his divisional debut against No. 6-ranked Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327. Murzakanov is described as undefeated with a 16-0 record and multiple knockout wins, and Costa is set to face a second consecutive Russian opponent.
Costa made his intentions clear when discussing what comes after Murzakanov. “This is the second one in a row that I’m gonna put on my record, and then maybe the third one Chimaev. I want him next after beating this fat guy.”
The Brazilian also framed the matchup in regional terms. “I’m so cool I have Latin blood in my veins. I represent Latin America, central America, our America. Not this Russian. I hate these f—king Russians,” Costa said.
Costa has been inconsistent in recent years at his previous weight class and previously struggled with cutting a large amount of weight. With the light heavyweight division described as wide open, the move to 205 pounds is positioned as an opportunity for Costa to reinvigorate his career while chasing a potential clash with Chimaev.
