Paulo Borrachinha's rival calls for extreme measures against the Brazilian at UFC 327.

Azamat Muzarkanov faces Paulo Borrachinha at UFC 327. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

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Paulo Borrachinha 's recent history has raised a red flag for his opponent at UFC 327. Scheduled to face Azamat Murzakanov in the co-main event, set for next Saturday (11), the Brazilian has a history of canceled fights in the organization, a factor that has generated distrust on the part of the Russian, who, ironically, asked the Ultimate for an extreme measure.

During media day, Murzakanov reinforced his concern about the possibility of another unforeseen event and suggested, in a provocative tone, that his rival be kept under surveillance until the moment of the fight, thus ensuring that the confrontation takes place as planned.

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Jiri Prochazka's rival doubts that the samurai will engage in a stand-up fight at UFC 327.

"Just lock him up and wait until Saturday and make sure he doesn't escape, then go ahead and fight him," said Azamat Murzakhanov.

Brazilians support Murzakanov against Paulo Borrachinha at UFC 327

Azamat Muzarkanov faces Paulo Borrachinha at UFC 327. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

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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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