Paulo Costa made a triumphant return to the Octagon at UFC 327, securing a third-round knockout victory over the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov.
Murzakanov initiated the fight aggressively, but Costa countered effectively with powerful inside leg kicks. Midway through the first round, an accidental eye poke from Costa briefly halted the bout. Murzakanov recovered after a short pause and was cleared to continue.
Despite the setback, Murzakanov maintained his aggressive approach, which ultimately proved to be his undoing. As Murzakanov advanced, Costa landed a solid right hand, sending the Russian to the canvas. Costa followed up on the ground with a sharp elbow, opening a cut on Murzakanov.
Although Murzakanov managed to get back to his feet, the damage sustained was significant.
The second round saw a shift in momentum, with Murzakanov increasing his offensive pressure and fighting his way back into the contest. However, the tide turned decisively in the third round. During an attempt to block one of Costa’s head kicks, Murzakanov appeared to injure his arm.
Seizing the opportunity, Costa unleashed a barrage of head kicks. He soon followed up with a decisive strike that knocked Murzakanov out, ending the fight.
Official Result: Paulo Costa defeated Azamat Murzakanov via KO (head kick) at 1:23 of Round 3.
