Paulo Borrachinha is the Brazilian representative in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@UFC
Paulo Borrachinha is optimistic about what comes after his fight at UFC 327. Scheduled to face Azamat Murzakanov in the co-main event, scheduled for next Saturday (11), the Brazilian believes that, in case of victory, he can qualify as the next challenger for the category belt, which will be at stake in the main fight of the card.
During Media Day, Borrachinha indicated that the outcome of the fight could put him in a privileged position in the title race, pointing to the winner as a strong contender for the next belt fight.
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"The winner of this fight could be in a very good position. The next challenger for the title," said Paulo Borrachinha.
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).
Carlos Ulberg faces Jiri Prochazka for Alex Poatan's title.
Prochazka and Ulberg face off to promote UFC 327. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
While Paulo Borrachinha faces Azamat Murzakanov in the co-main event, Jiri Prochazka takes on Carlos Ulberg in the main event of UFC 327, in a fight valid for the light heavyweight title (up to 93 kg). This happens because the then champion, Alex Poatan , decided to leave the title to move up a weight class and attempt an unprecedented triple championship in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The Brazilian fighter is scheduled to face Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June 14th.
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Read More about: Azamat Murzakanov, Carlos Ulberg, Jiri Prochazka, Paulo borrachinha, UFC 327
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