Paulo Costa to Debut at Light Heavyweight vs. Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 in April
His coach casts the 205-pound move as a bid to fast-track a two-division title push.
Overview
- The UFC 327 bout in Miami is slated for April 11, with Murzakanov entering the matchup unbeaten.
- Coach Andre Benkei says the shift may be temporary and part of an effort to chase belts in two weight classes within a year.
- Benkei says the promotion offered Costa a top-five ranking in both divisions if he wins his 205-pound debut.
- Costa is 15-4 and coming off a decision over Roman Kopylov after withdrawing from a recently announced fight with Brunno Ferreira.
- Public reaction has been skeptical of the double-champ goal, noting Costa’s prior 205-pound outing came from a weight miss and his recent inactivity.