UFC 327: Rogan Highlights Undefeated Murzakanov as Underrated Fighter

The color commentator believes the Russian light heavyweight is a dangerous threat that many are overlooking.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:09pm

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A fragmented, multi-angled painting depicting the intense, calculated movements of two light heavyweight mixed martial artists mid-fight, their forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a vibrant color palette.Two light heavyweight contenders engage in a technical, high-stakes battle, their every strike and feint captured in a fractured, cubist composition.Las Vegas Today

UFC color commentator Joe Rogan highlighted Azamat Murzakanov as a fighter that many are sleeping on ahead of UFC 327. Murzakanov, an undefeated Russian light heavyweight, will face former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa in the co-main event. Rogan praised Murzakanov's skills, power, and technical abilities, comparing him to a 'Russian hitman' who is 'really hard to hit clean.'

Why it matters

The light heavyweight division is heating up with the main event title fight between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg. Murzakanov vs. Costa is an important co-main event that could determine the next title challenger, and Rogan's endorsement of Murzakanov suggests he could be a dark horse to watch.

The details

Murzakanov has a perfect 16-0 professional record and is ranked #6 in the UFC light heavyweight division. He is coming off a first-round knockout win over Aleksandar Rakic last October. Meanwhile, Paulo Costa is moving up from middleweight after a difficult run at 185 pounds since losing his undefeated status. The fight between the two light heavyweights has been elevated to the co-main event slot at UFC 327.

  • UFC 327 will take place on April 11, 2026.
  • Murzakanov knocked out Aleksandar Rakic in October 2025.

The players

Azamat Murzakanov

An undefeated Russian light heavyweight fighter with a 16-0 professional record, currently ranked #6 in the UFC.

Paulo Costa

A former middleweight title challenger who is moving up to light heavyweight after a difficult run at 185 pounds.

Joe Rogan

The longtime UFC color commentator and host of the popular 'JRE MMA Show' podcast.

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What they’re saying

“Here's one that people are sleeping on (at light heavyweight), Murzakanov. Undefeated. Let me tell you something, man, he put Rakic to sleep in the first round. Dude, he's slick.”

— Joe Rogan, UFC Color Commentator

“He does s— in there — you know he calls himself 'The Professional'? He seems like a hitman, like some Russian hitman you hire to come f—ing kill people.”

— Joe Rogan, UFC Color Commentator

“It's not just his power, it's his skills. I look at him and I'm like, this is a smart guy. Everything's calculated, everything's technical, he's really hard to hit clean.”

— Joe Rogan, UFC Color Commentator

What’s next

The winner of the Murzakanov vs. Costa fight could potentially earn a title shot against the new UFC light heavyweight champion, depending on the outcome of the main event between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg.

The takeaway

Joe Rogan's high praise for the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov suggests the Russian light heavyweight is a fighter to watch at UFC 327. His combination of power, skill, and technical abilities make him a dangerous threat that many may be overlooking in the stacked 205-pound division.