Paulo Costa is setting his sights on a title shot after stopping Azamat Murzakanov by third-round TKO in the UFC 327 co-main event in Miami.
The former middleweight title challenger moved up to light heavyweight to face the previously undefeated contender, entering the bout as an underdog but extending his current winning streak to two fights, with one at middleweight and one at 205 pounds.
“I feel good,” Costa said after the win. “I feel great, but I don't put a lot of attention (on the finish) because my training didn't change. The fight before this against Kopylov, man, I was knocking him out. I connected with a straight right on the chin, and he fell down. There were small details to change for me to get the knockout in the very first round.”
Costa, who is now 1-1 at light heavyweight in the UFC, believes he brings fresh energy to the division. “I think I'm new blood in the division, and I think this is good. I got very good feedback at the press conference. I think people are excited to see.”
On whether a title shot at 205 pounds could be next, Costa said, “I think so. I think so,” before adding, “That's going to depend on how things end up setting up. If they think I'm closer to 205 to fight for the title next, OK, so I stay.”
