Paulo Costa hands Azamat Murzakanov first loss in UFC 327 co-main event
Former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa moved up to the light heavyweight division to take on No. 6 ranked Azamat Murzakanov in Saturday's UFC 327 co-main event. Costa entered the fight coming off a decision win over Roman Kopylov at UFC 318 last July.
It had been nearly five years since he fought in the 205-pound division when he stepped in the cage at Kaseya Center in Miami. Murzakanov made the walk to the octagon an undefeated fighter (16-0) having finished five of his UFC opponents. The Russia was looking to ruin Costa's return to the weight class.
They met in the middle. Costa landed first with a leg kick. Murzakanov bounced on the outside, in and out.
Costa delivered a hard leg kick. Murzakanov responded with a jab. Costa continued to land leg kicks.
He delivered one to the body. Murzakanov pressed forward and landed to the body. Costa landed another kick to the body.