Paulo Costa believes win over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 puts him in ‘a very good spot’ for title shot

Paulo Costa believes he can get close to earning a light heavyweight title shot at UFC 327.

Costa is set to move up to light heavyweight to face the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov in the co-main event of UFC 327 on Saturday in Miami. It’s a highly anticipated fight, and although Costa is moving up in weight, he said he is still open to fighting at middleweight. But he views UFC 327 as a chance to enter the light heavyweight title picture.

“I think the winner of this fight can be in a very good spot and be the next title shot contender,” Costa said at UFC 327 media day. “I’m going to watch this fight closely. I think this is a good fight as well.”

Although Costa is the underdog, he has full confidence that he can hand Murzakanov his first career loss. Yet, he knows this will be a tough fight for him. But Costa is eager to throw down with the Russian for however long it lasts.

Paulo Costa vows to be a contender in two divisions

If Costa does get his hand raised at UFC 327, it would be a statement win at light heavyweight. And, as the Brazilian said, the goal is to enter the title ranks at 205lbs.

However, Costa is adamant he will be a contender at both middleweight and light heavyweight and hopes to win belts in both weight classes.

“I’m not fighting at 205 because I cannot make 185 – that is not the case,” Costa said. “I planned that, and I just saw a good opportunity to fight at light heavyweight. And I said, ‘Why not?’ I can fight at both divisions, both weight classes at the same time, and be a contender at both of them.”

Paulo Costa enters the bout with a record of 15-4 and is coming off a decision win over Roman Kopylov. Before that, he dropped back-to-back decision losses to Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker.

Do you think Paulo Costa will beat Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327? Let us know in the comment section, PENN Nation!