Miami — Making the move to light heavyweight at UFC 327, Paulo Costa found a head kick finish against Azamat Murzakanov on Saturday.
After feeling a little tired, “more than I expected,” at the end of the second round, Costa (16-4) nevertheless came out guns blazing in the third. “I think he felt a little bit more vulnerable and damaged,” Costa told media outlets including Cageside Press backstage at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Saturday.
Costa called it a “huge win.” Dana White called it his biggest. “I dunno if it’s the biggest, but huge,” Costa said in response.
Coming into the fight, “the plan was basically, kick a lot. He’s southpaw. I used to fight very well against southpaws. The kicks hurt a lot. Him, and me. I had every movement that he made mapped,” stated Costa, adding “we were prepared for all of this.”
Where Paulo Costa goes next is an interesting question. He says intends to pursue a title at both middleweight and light heavyweight. The 205lb weight class is in flux with new champ Carlos Ulberg injured in his own fight Saturday. He’ll need an opponent upon his return if an interim title isn’t established sooner.
“I’ll be here, I’ll be here. If the UFC matchmakers, Dana, Mick [Maynard], Hunter [Campbell], think this can be a nice fight, a great fight, I’m here to do it,” stated Costa. “I look for big opportunities, big fights, big exciting fights, big match-ups. And I’m here.”
After his victory, Costa was seen speaking to U.S. President Donald Trump, who was cageside for the main card. As to what was said, Costa intends “to keep it a secret for now. It was just between us.”
A hot mic did pick up Trump saying Costa was too good looking to be a fighter. Costa confirmed that. “Yes that part was true. That was funny. Thank you Mr. Trump.”
Watch the full UFC 327 post-fight press conference with Paulo Costa above.
