Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa is officially moving up to Light Heavyweight for his next outing, where he will face No. 6–ranked undefeated contender Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 on Sat., April 11, 2026, inside the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
The 34-year-old is coming off a much-needed victory, snapping a two-fight skid with a decision win over Roman Kopylov at UFC 318. Before that, Costa dropped back-to-back decisions against former champions Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker.
Awaiting him is Murzakanov (16-0), who has quietly established himself as one of the division’s most dangerous finishers since earning a UFC contract on Contender Series. The 36-year-old Russian has gone a perfect 6-0 inside the Octagon, scoring five knockouts along the way.
Most recently, Murzakanov delivered his biggest statement yet, starching Aleksandar Rakic in the first round with a thunderous jab (watch highlights).
While some fans felt Murzakanov deserved a higher-profile opponent such as Khalil Rountree, Costa will have to do — assuming he makes it to fight night.
Other bouts currently booked for UFC 327 include Johnny Walker vs. Dominick Reyes and Tatiana Suarez vs. Loopy Godinez.
To checkout UFC’s upcoming schedule of events click here.
