Paulo Costa’s coach explains why he’s moving up to light heavyweight

Paulo Costa is set to move up to the light heavyweight division.

Costa is set to take on the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov next at UFC 327 in Miami on April 11. It’s an intriguing matchup, as the Brazilian is getting thrown into the deep end in his return to light heavyweight, although his first fight at 205lbs was due to a weight miss.

However, this may not be a permanent move, as, instead, Costa’s coach, Andre Benkei, said this is part of the plan for the Brazilian to try and become a two-division champion.

“‘Borrachinha’ is focused on becoming world champion,” Benkei told MMA Fighting. “He wants to become world champion within a year. The guy is giving up everything, he doesn’t even live at home. His mind is ready for this now.”

Paulo Costa wants to become a champ-champ

Benkei said Costa was frustrated not getting top guys at middleweight, so he was given Murzakanov with a promise of a top-five opponent next time out.

“The UFC tried to adjust things and said, ‘Look, let’s do this. You want to fight at 205? We’ll give you a chance. If you win this fight, you get a top-5 spot in both divisions and you can move forward in both and go for the title in either one if you want.’ That’s a challenge worth taking because I think he’s ready. ‘Borrachinha’ has that eye of the tiger now, so let’s go.

“That’s why he moved up. We’re moving up to become champion in both divisions. To make history. That’s what he wants to do. [He said] ’I don’t just want to win, I want to make history.’”

Costa has the size to do well at light heavyweight, but his fight at UFC 327 is not him ending his time at middleweight.

Paulo Costa enters the fight with a record of 15-4 and is coming off a decision win over Roman Kopylov.

Do you think Paulo Costa will fare better at middleweight or light heavyweight?