Paulo Costa has secured a new opponent and date for his next UFC fight. The Brazilian striker originally booked a middleweight clash with Brunno Ferreira at UFC 326 on March 7. The UFC announced the matchup, then removed it days later. Costa withdrew from the fight for undisclosed reasons. Gregory Rodrigues later replaced him. Rodrigues now meets Ferreira on the undercard of Max Holloway against Charles Oliveira 2.
The UFC has now confirmed Costa’s return. He will step back into the Octagon just over a month later than planned. The comeback also brings a major change in weight class.
Costa Returns in New Division
The UFC announced on Tuesday that Paulo Costa will compete at UFC 327 on April 11. The former title challenger moves up to light heavyweight for the bout. He will face Azamat Murzakanov, one of the division’s most feared finishers. Murzakanov remains unbeaten with a 16-0 record. Every victory has come by knockout or stoppage.
The sixth-ranked contender earned the biggest win of his career last October. He stopped Aleksandar Rakic with a first-round knockout at UFC 321. Costa reacted quickly after the announcement. He shared a shirtless photo online. The caption referenced bulking season and unlimited strength.
UFC 327 Still Missing a Headliner
The UFC has confirmed only three fights for UFC 327 so far. The card does not yet feature a main event or co-main event. Costa versus Murzakanov leads the early announcements. Another light heavyweight fight also appears on the lineup. Dominick Reyes will take on Johnny Walker in Miami.
That matchup was the first fight confirmed for the event. The UFC has also added a women’s strawweight contest. Tatiana Suarez will face Loopy Godinez. The promotion continues to build the card around these bouts.
Adesanya Prepares for Long-Awaited Comeback
Israel Adesanya last competed in February of last year. Nassourdine Imavov knocked him out at UFC Saudi Arabia. The former champion now prepares to return to action. The UFC booked his comeback for UFC Seattle on March 28.
UFC president Dana White announced the fight this week. Adesanya will meet Joe Pyfer inside the Octagon. Pyfer holds the number 15 ranking at middleweight. The matchup marks a clear step down in ranking. Adesanya hopes to rebuild momentum after three consecutive losses.
Joe Pyfer enters the fight with confidence. A win would move him closer to title contention. It could also place Adesanya’s future firmly in doubt.
