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Coach: Paulo Costa can compete with Top 5 at light heavyweight
TL;DR
Paulo Costa impressed in his light heavyweight debut at UFC 327, defeating Azamat Murzakanov by third-round stoppage. Coach Rafael Cordeiro believes Costa can compete with the top fighters in the division.
Paulo Costa was impressive in his move up to light heavyweight. | Getty/UFC
Two-time “Coach of the Year” honoree Rafael Cordeiro was impressed by Paulo Costa´s performance at UFC 327.
According to Kings MMA founder, Costa should stay in the light heavyweight division following his third-round stoppage of the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov this past Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
“‘Borrachinha’ is a guy that, love him or hate him, you will like to see his fights. And give me three names of the division that sell fights like him,” Cordeiro told Sherdog.com.
Based on his performance last Saturday, where he knocked out Murzakanov with a head kick in the third round, the former Chute Boxer believes that Costa would also beat Jiri Prochazka if he was fighting for the interim title. Prochazka suffered a first-round knockout loss to Carlos Ulberg in clash for the vacant light heavyweight strap at UFC 327. However, Ulberg could be sidelined for quite some time after suffering an apparent knee injury in the bout.
“I see him [being competitive] with any of those Top 5 of the division. To tell you the truth, considering that Ulberg will be out for a long time due to his knee, if UFC makes a interim title between ‘Borrachinha ‘and Jiri, I believe Costa would knock him out.”
The Brazilian coach also criticized Prochazka’s attitude against Ulberg. “BJP” claimed he showed mercy to Ulberg after the City Kickboxing star was injured early in their fight.
"I´ll never forget what Master Rudimar always told us. If you are facing a weaker opponent, finish him as fast as possible so the people dont see his level,” Cordeiro said. “And it fits perfectly in this case when the oponent had a physical problem.”
Updates on Tyson, New Class Offering
Cordeiro also talked about the Mike Tyson exhibition fight with Floyd Mayweather initially scheduled for April 25.
“It should be an exhibition fight. But Mike had a home accident, He tripped and fell and was in a cast lately. He was planning to make his camp in Florida but because of that accident I think the fight will be postponed,” Cordeiro said. “Unfortunately I couldn't do this camp with him because of my gym. Last time I stayed seven months with him in Vegas, but I could return. In Florida unfortunately not, but I told him to count on me with anything he needs.”
Cordeiro also shared details of a new mentoring class he has just started.
“It´s been 40 years of martial arts and I'm [sharing that experience of] all we passed through,” he said. “The good and bad. All the process needed to make a champion, conquer a champion and understand a champion. To build a fighter from the beginning and be able to deal with anyone from a white belt to a black belt or a world champion. We will make live classes in English showing what will work and what will not work and not let them commit the same mistakes we did in the past.”
Q&A
What was Paulo Costa's performance like at UFC 327?
Paulo Costa won by third-round stoppage against Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327, showcasing his skills in the light heavyweight division.
Who is Rafael Cordeiro and what did he say about Paulo Costa?
Rafael Cordeiro is a two-time 'Coach of the Year' and he praised Paulo Costa's performance, suggesting he can compete with the top five in the light heavyweight division.
Why should Paulo Costa remain in the light heavyweight division?
Cordeiro believes Costa's fighting style and marketability make him a valuable competitor in the light heavyweight division, especially after his recent victory.
