Roman Kopylov enters UFC 322 as one of the middleweight division’s most dangerous finishers - a world-class sambo technician with knockout power and a reputation for staying lethal from the opening bell to the final second. As he gears up for his showdown with Gregory Rodrigues, these three performances best showcase his rise and fight-ending potential:
1. Kopylov vs. Chris Curtis – UFC Fight Night 249 (Las Vegas)
In one of the most dramatic finishes of his career, Kopylov knocked out the notoriously durable Chris Curtis with a perfectly-timed head kick with just one second left in the third round. The spectacular finish earned Fight of the Night honors and highlighted Kopylov’s ability to stay dangerous deep into a grueling fight — reinforcing his status as a true action fighter.
2. Kopylov vs. Josh Fremd – UFC Fight Night 227 (Las Vegas)
Kopylov delivered a clinical, calculated performance against Josh Fremd, stopping him with a brutal body-shot knockout in the second round. Awarded a Performance of the Night bonus, this fight showcased Kopylov’s precision, timing, and ability to mix power with surgical accuracy.
3. Kopylov vs. Punahele Soriano – UFC Fight Night 217 (Las Vegas)
Taking on the heavy-handed Punahele Soriano, Kopylov broke him down with ripping body kicks, sharp counters, and relentless forward pressure. He secured a second-round TKO and another Performance of the Night bonus. This breakout victory announced his arrival as a legitimate contender and highlighted the depth of his striking arsenal.