UFC 322: Kopylov vs. Rodrigues features a high-powered middleweight clash on November 15, 2025, as Russian technical striker Roman Kopylov takes on explosive Brazilian knockout artist Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues. Both men are proven finishers with legitimate top-15 aspirations, making this one of the most volatile matchups on the card.
Roman Kopylov
Roman Kopylov (14-4) is a sambo world champion with some of the most dangerous body attacks in the division. Known for clean boxing, heavy kicks, and elite takedown defense, Kopylov built a reputation as a technician who punishes mistakes. His resume includes highlight finishes over Alessio Di Chirico, Punahele Soriano, Claudio Ribeiro, and Josh Fremd. His last-second head kick knockout of Chris Curtis earned him a Fight of the Night bonus in January 2025, and he remains one of the most accurate combination strikers at 185 pounds. Kopylov’s most recent appearance was a competitive decision loss to former title challenger Paulo Costa.
Roman Kopylov - Last 5 Fights:
* Loss vs. Paulo Costa - Decision (Unanimous), UFC 318, Jul 19, 2025
* Win vs. Chris Curtis - TKO (Head Kick), UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2, Jan 11, 2025
* Win vs. César Almeida - Decision (Split), UFC 302, Jun 1, 2024
* Loss vs. Anthony Hernandez - Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), UFC 298, Feb 17, 2024
* Win vs. Josh Fremd - KO (Body Punch), UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2, Sep 16, 2023
Keys: Kopylov must stay mobile, maintain range, and punish Rodrigues’ aggressive entries with straight counters and body combinations. If he prevents extended clinch exchanges and forces Rodrigues to reset, his precision and timing can control the rhythm of the fight.
Gregory Rodrigues
Gregory Rodrigues (17-6) is one of the most dangerous finishers in the division, armed with heavy hands, destructive elbows, and a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Rodrigues thrives in chaotic exchanges and has produced emphatic wins over Jack Hermansson, Brad Tavares, Denis Tiuliulin, and Christian Leroy Duncan. Despite a wild loss to Jared Cannonier earlier in 2025, Rodrigues responded impressively with a first-round knockout of Hermansson. Although he owns elite grappling credentials, he often chooses to strike, overwhelming opponents with pressure and confidence once he finds his rhythm.
Gregory Rodrigues - Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Jack Hermansson - KO (Punch), UFC 317, Jun 28, 2025
* Loss vs. Jared Cannonier - TKO (Punches), UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues, Feb 15, 2025
* Win vs. Christian Leroy Duncan - Decision (Unanimous), UFC 304, Jul 27, 2024
* Win vs. Brad Tavares - TKO (Punches), UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Pyfer, Feb 10, 2024
* Win vs. Denis Tiuliulin - KO (Elbows), UFC 292, Aug 19, 2023
Keys: Rodrigues needs to pressure early, cut off Kopylov’s angles, and force exchanges along the fence or in close quarters. If he mixes short punches, elbows, and even occasional grappling threats, he can drag the fight into the type of firefight where his power shines brightest.
Fight Breakdown
This matchup sets up a classic dynamic between clean technique and raw power. Kopylov operates best at kicking and boxing range, where he can break down opponents with sharp combinations and body work. Rodrigues is most dangerous when he can bully forward, close distance, and turn exchanges into brawls. If Rodrigues forces Kopylov onto the back foot, his knockout potential becomes a constant threat. If Kopylov maintains space and denies clinch exchanges, his precision striking could dictate the pace over three rounds.
Prediction
Rodrigues’ forward pressure and knockout power make him a constant danger, but they also expose openings for Kopylov’s counters. The early minutes will likely decide everything. Kopylov can win rounds if he stays disciplined and circulates, yet Rodrigues only needs one clean connection to change the fight instantly. The Brazilian’s ability to break through the pocket and create chaos gives him a real chance to land fight-ending offense.
Prediction: Gregory Rodrigues def. Roman Kopylov via KO (Round 2)
A victory would push Rodrigues near the middleweight rankings, while a win for Kopylov would reaffirm him as one of the most technically polished strikers on the rise.