Paulo Costa Moves Up to Light Heavyweight to Chase Dual Titles

The Brazilian fighter aims to become a champion in two divisions within a year

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Paulo Costa will make his return to the light heavyweight division when he meets undefeated fighter Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 in Miami on April 11. This move is part of Costa's larger plan to achieve the rare feat of holding titles in two divisions simultaneously, as his coach revealed he is "focused on becoming world champion" and wants to "make history" by becoming a champion in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions within a year.

Why it matters

This transition to light heavyweight signals a pivotal moment in Costa's MMA journey as he strives to etch his name in UFC history. The upcoming fight against Murzakanov will test his ability to adapt and compete at a heavier weight, potentially reshaping the landscape of both middleweight and light heavyweight divisions depending on his success.

The details

Costa's coach, Andre Benkei, explained that the move to light heavyweight arose partly from frustrations at the middleweight division, where Costa struggled to secure fights against top contenders. The UFC arranged for Murzakanov as his next opponent with the understanding that a win would guarantee Costa a top-five ranking in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, opening the door for title shots in either category.

  • Costa will face Murzakanov at UFC 327 on April 11, 2026 in Miami.

The players

Paulo Costa

A Brazilian MMA fighter with a professional record of 15 wins and 4 losses, who is moving up to the light heavyweight division to pursue dual-division championship goals.

Azamat Murzakanov

An undefeated fighter who will face Costa at UFC 327 in a bout that could determine Costa's path to a title shot in either the middleweight or light heavyweight division.

Andre Benkei

Costa's coach, who revealed the fighter's plans to become a champion in two divisions within a year.

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What they’re saying

“'Borrachinha' is focused on becoming world champion,”

— Andre Benkei, Costa's coach (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.”

— Andre Benkei, Costa's coach (MMA Fighting)

“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.'”

— Andre Benkei, Costa's coach (MMA Fighting)

What’s next

A win over Murzakanov at UFC 327 would guarantee Costa a top-five ranking in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, opening the door for title shots in either category.

The takeaway

This move signals Costa's ambitious goal of becoming a dual-division champion, a rare feat in the UFC. If successful, it could reshape the landscape of both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, cementing Costa's place in MMA history.