Azamat Murzakanov wants to capitalize on the dissatisfaction of some Brazilian fans with Paulo Borrachinha to increase his relevance on social media. Scheduled to face the Minas Gerais native in the co-main event of UFC 327, the Russian has been receiving support from Brazilian fans since the announcement of the fight, a scenario that motivated him to make a public promise.
In a social media post, Murzakanov stated that he will enter the fight with a Brazilian flag if he reaches 100 followers before the event.
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"If I get 100 followers before the fight, I'll enter with a Brazilian flag," wrote Azamat Murzakanov.
If I get 100k followers before the fight I'm coming out with a Brazilian flag #ufcmiami
— Azamat “The Professional” Murzakanov (@AzamatMurza) April 6, 2026
'I don't need the Brazilian public,' says Paulo Borrachinha
Paulo Borrachinha is the underdog at UFC 298. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram ufc_brasil
Although he suggested a fight in Rio de Janeiro, Borrachinha has already 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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