Last year, Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev’s rivalry took center stage among the UFC’s most heated bad bloods. The tension went far beyond competition, as ‘Borrachinha’ accused ‘Borz’ of saying inappropriate things about his girlfriend, turning the feud deeply personal. Fueled by that anger, Costa called out Chimaev after defeating Roman Kopylov at UFC 318, and he was later booked to fight Bruno Ferreira at UFC 326. However, just a couple of weeks ago, it was reported that the former middleweight title challenger had pulled out of the bout. But why?

No one knew until now. For fans who wanted to see ‘Borrachinha’ finally settle his rivalry with ‘Borz’ inside the cage, the news will come as a major surprise. Paulo Costa has now decided to move out of the middleweight division and into the light heavyweight division. And more importantly, his next fight is scheduled against Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 in Miami, set to take place at the Kaseya Center on April 11.

Paulo Costa meets Azamat Murzakanov in UFC 327 Miami clash

“Paulo Costa is moving up to Light Heavyweight and will fight Azamat Murzakanov at #UFC327 in Miami on April 11,” Championship Rounds shared on X. 

For the unversed, Paulo Costa’s move up might catch some fans off guard, but he is not exactly new to that weight class. Although he did not face true contenders there, ‘Eraser’ fought Marvin Vettori in 2021 after their original middleweight bout was shifted to light heavyweight due to Costa missing weight. After that, the former title challenger also faced Luke Rockhold at UFC 278 in 2022, once again at 205 pounds. 

Also, with Costa set to face No. 6-ranked Azamat Murzakanov, who boasts a perfect 16–0 record, the matchup has not only made their fight intriguing but has also lifted the entire event’s buzz. Along with this newly announced violent showdown, the Miami card already features Dominick Reyes vs. Johnny Walker in another light heavyweight clash that promises fireworks.

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Moreover, Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg has been speculated as a possible vacant light heavyweight title fight, though ‘BJP’ later clarified that the bout is still in the negotiation stage and not confirmed. Still, it has to be said that the Miami card is once again shaping up like a treat for fans. And with Costa under pressure to prove his value against the bigger names, he is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation.

‘Borrachinha’ reveals tank physique ahead of UFC 327

Paulo Costa has always been seen as a heavy-sized middleweight who struggled with making weight. Because of that, he missed weight against Marvin Vettori in a 205 lbs showdown back in 2021 on a fight night card. However, Costa looked comfortable while landing and absorbing the damage. Despite his size, many believed the Brazilian was not undersized, but he also would not enjoy the same physical edge he often had at middleweight.

Now, ahead of his bout against Azamat Murzakanov in Miami, Costa is leaving no stone unturned in training, and he is clearly looking jacked for his new weight class.

“Bulking season bab. Now secret juice unlimited 🧃🤯🙌,” the former middleweight title challenger posted on X.

With that solid physique, it already feels like Paulo Costa will not look outsized against Murzakanov, or even against other physically gifted light heavyweights like Jan Blachowicz, Johnny Walker, and the rest of the 205 lbs pack.

That said, as ‘Eraser’ prepares to step into the shark-infested light heavyweight division, do you think he made the right call by leaving the Khamzat Chimaev rivalry behind and starting a new mission? Let us know in the comments section below.