Paulo Borrachinha is the Brazilian representative in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@UFC
Paulo Borrachinha took Azamat Murzakanov 's attempt to win over the Brazilian crowd before their UFC 327 fight in good humor. Scheduled to face the Russian in the co-main event, the Minas Gerais native commented on his rival's strategy, who promised to enter with a Brazilian flag if he reaches 100 followers on social media.
During Media Day, Borrachinha assessed the initiative as a clever marketing move by Murzakanov. The Brazilian highlighted that his opponent seeks to leverage his popularity in the country to gain visibility and increase his fan base, acknowledging that the strategy was well executed.
"That's funny. I can follow him myself because he only has one or two followers. He needs that, and I think he's smart; he knows I'm popular, that I'm famous in Brazil. And he tried to capitalize on that and get some followers, and he did very well," said Paulo Borrachinha.
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Next, the fighter jokingly suggested that the Russian should actually bring the Brazilian flag into the octagon. Borrachinha stated that the audience should encourage the idea, emphasizing that the scene would be curious and fun.
"So now he's going to bring, or I think he should bring, the Brazilian flag. I think people should ask him to bring the Brazilian flag. That's going to be funny," Borrachinha concluded.
Brazilians support Murzakanov against Paulo Borrachinha at UFC 327
In recent days, Murzakanov, who had already been receiving messages of encouragement for the fight, intensified his interaction with fans and promised that if he reaches 100 followers by the day of the fight, he will enter the arena carrying a Brazilian flag.
The statement quickly drew attention and further increased the engagement of fans who are dissatisfied with Borrachinha for his remarks involving his own country.
I had no idea that Paulo Costa was so HATED by his own people in Brazil 😳
Azamat Murzakanov is currently receiving a WAVE of support from Brazilian MMA fans to leave Paulo Costa “dead” at UFC 327 this weekend pic.twitter.com/Eo5B8ZCtBI
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) April 6, 2026
'I don't need the Brazilian public,' says Paulo Borrachinha
P. Borrachinha in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook UFC
The hatred from fans towards the fighter from Minas Gerais isn't something that came out of nowhere; Borrachinha recently made it clear that he doesn't need the attention of Brazilian fans. In an interview with 'Ag. Fight', the middleweight reinforced that he doesn't see the need to count on the support of the Brazilian fans to succeed in the UFC. In his opinion, the sport is global and an athlete's career doesn't depend exclusively on acceptance in their own country to generate results, sales, or relevance.
“But honestly, I don’t need the Brazilian audience. I don’t think anyone needs it in the UFC. What are you going to do there? Sell merchandise? Sell tickets? Sell pay-per-view? I don’t think it makes sense. Honestly, my family is Brazilian, my coaches are, but the sport is international,” Paulo Borrachinha declared.
Paulo Borrachinha changes weight class and seeks to regain his form in the UFC.
After a dazzling start in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), with five wins in five fights, Paulo Borrachinha earned a shot at the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg) against Israel Adesanya . However, in that fight, the Brazilian was knocked out without posing a real threat to the then-champion. Since then, the fighter from Minas Gerais has returned to the octagon five more times, securing only two victories, against Luke Rockhold and Roman Kopylov.
Determined to get back to his good form, Borrachinha is scheduled to fight at UFC 327 on April 11th, where the Brazilian will face Azamat Murzakanov , one of the top names in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg).
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