Roman Kopylov

Roman Kopylov (born 4 May 1991) is a Russian mixed martial artist who competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background
Roman Kopylov was born in Shchebzavod, a small village in the Kemerovo region of Russia, and began his journey in martial arts at the age of 9. His parents, both former athletes, nurtured his passion for hand-to-hand combat. Gradually, Kopylov started winning trophies at various levels, from city to regional and higher-level competitions starting in 2010. He served in the National Guard of the Siberian District where he continued to compete in martial arts. After graduating from a branch of Kemerovo State University in 2014, he ventured into mixed martial arts.

Kopylov is a five-time world champion in hand-to-hand combat sambo, and has also won several European and Russian championships. He has earned degrees in economics and physical education from Kemerovo State University and Novokuznetsk Institute. His MMA idol is Fedor Emelianenko.

Early career
Roman Kopylov began his MMA career in Ufa in April 2016 at the WCSA tournament. His first fight was against Filipe Aiyugono from Guinea. Despite it being his debut, Roman managed to win by unanimous decision after fighting all the rounds. Later in 2016, Roman fought in the League S-70 ring and knocked out a foreign opponent. He maintained careers in both MMA and RB and demonstrated an unmatched level of skill.

By the end of 2016, Roman fought Islam Gugov in the DIA, before signing a contract with Fight Nights Global. He defeated Artem Shokalo and Jacob Ortiz, then returned to League S-70 for another victory. He then fought for the Fight Nights Middleweight Championship against Abusupyan Alikhanov, who had a streak of 9 victories. Roman increased his pace round by round, and his opponent's corner gave up after the 4th round.

By the end of 2018, Roman won a title fight against the legendary Yasubei Enomoto in a joint tournament between Fight Nights and GTC. Despite Enomoto's impressive track record and experience, Roman's pressure proved too much, and Enomoto lost in the 4th round after a heavy hit to the body.

Following this victory, Roman's manager, Alexander Skaredin, started organizing a fight with Magomed Ismailov, but the plans were postponed indefinitely when Magomed left Fight Nights to join ASA.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Later, Kopylov was offered a contract for 4 fights by UFC matchmakers. He was scheduled to fight Krzysztof Jotko in St. Petersburg on April 20, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 149. However, Kopylov pulled out of the bout on March 22 citing injury.

Kopylov made his UFC debut against Karl Roberson on 9 November 2019 at UFC Fight Night 163. He lost the fight via a submission in round three, his first MMA loss.

Kopylov was scheduled to replace Punahele Soriano against Eric Spicely at UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik on 28 March 2020. However, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the bout was scrapped.

His next opportunity was against Tom Breese in Abu Dhabi on 4 October 2020 at UFC on ESPN: Holm vs. Aldana. However, Kopylov was removed from the bout as both he and his coach tested positive for coronavirus upon arrival and had to isolate for 3 weeks.

Kopylov was then scheduled to face Sam Alvey on 31 July 2021, at UFC on ESPN 28. However, Kopylov wasn't able to obtain his US visa in time and the bout was scrapped.

Kopylov faced Albert Duraev on 30 October 2021 at UFC 267. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Kopylov was scheduled to face Jordan Wright at UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs. Andrade on 23 April 2022. However, Kopylov withdrew from the bout and was replaced by Marc-André Barriault.

Kopylov faced Alessio Di Chirico on 3 September 2022 at UFC Fight Night 209. He won the fight via knockout in round three.

Kopylov faced Punahele Soriano on 14 January 2023 at UFC Fight Night 217. He won the fight via technical knockout after knocking down Soriano with a body kick in the second round. This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.

Kopylov was scheduled to face Josh Fremd on 17 June 2023 at UFC on ESPN 47. However, the bout never materialized and Kopylov took on Claudio Ribeiro at UFC 291 on 29 July 2023. Kopylov won the bout via head kick knockout in round two.

Kopylov was scheduled to face Anthony Hernandez, replacing Chris Curtis on September 16, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 227. However, Curtis withdrew due to a rib injury and was replaced by Roman Kopylov. However, Hernandez pulled out of the bout due to a torn ligament and was replaced by Josh Fremd. Kopylov won the fight via body punch knockout in round two. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.

Kopylov faced Anthony Hernandez, replacing injured Ikram Aliskerov, on February 17, 2024, at UFC 298. In a competitive bout, Kopylov lost by a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.

Kopylov faced César Almeida on June 1, 2024 at UFC 302. He won the fight by split decision.

Kopylov is scheduled to face Brunno Ferreira on August 24, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 243.

Mixed martial arts

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Punahele Soriano and Josh Fremd
 * Fight Nights Global
 * Fight Nights Middleweight Championship (One time)
 * One successful title defence