The co-main event of UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3, taking place on July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, features a pivotal middleweight clash between Brazilian powerhouse Paulo Costa and surging Russian striker Roman Kopylov. With both men ranked in the UFC’s top 15, this bout could determine the next big name to break into title contention in a division in flux.

Paulo Costa

Paulo Costa (14–4) is one of the most physically imposing middleweights in UFC history, known for his devastating power, aggressive forward pressure, and explosive combinations. Once undefeated and challenging for the title, Costa has struggled to find consistency since his TKO loss to Israel Adesanya in 2020.

Costa’s recent run includes losses to elite contenders like Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland, both by decision. While his durability and striking volume remain impressive, questions have emerged about his fight IQ, cardio management, and ability to adapt mid-fight. However, when Costa is dialed in, as seen in his brutal wars with Yoel Romero and Luke Rockhold, he remains one of the division’s most dangerous threats.

Paulo Costa – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Sean Strickland – Decision (Split) – UFC 302, June 1, 2024
2. Loss vs. Robert Whittaker – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 298, February 17, 2024
3. Win vs. Luke Rockhold – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 278, August 20, 2022
4. Loss vs. Marvin Vettori – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, October 23, 2021
5. Loss vs. Israel Adesanya – TKO (Strikes) – UFC 253, September 27, 2020

Costa is #13 in the middleweight rankings and will look to reassert himself as a title threat with a definitive performance.

Roman Kopylov

Roman Kopylov (14–3) enters UFC 318 on a surge, having won 6 of his last 7 bouts, with 5 of those victories coming by knockout. The #14-ranked Russian striker has quietly built a reputation as one of the most clinical and dangerous kickboxers in the division, with particularly lethal body attacks and head kicks.

Kopylov’s striking arsenal is dynamic and technical, mixing precise boxing with unorthodox kicks. His recent third-round head-kick KO of Chris Curtis, delivered in the final second of the fight, earned him another Fight of the Night bonus. His only stumble in recent memory came via submission to Anthony Hernandez, highlighting a lingering vulnerability in grappling exchanges.

Roman Kopylov – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Chris Curtis – TKO (Head Kick) – UFC FN, January 11, 2025
2. Win vs. César Almeida – Decision (Split) – UFC 302, June 1, 2024
3. Loss vs. Anthony Hernandez – Submission (RNC) – UFC 298, February 17, 2024
4. Win vs. Josh Fremd – KO (Body Punch) – UFC FN, September 16, 2023
5. Win vs. Claudio Ribeiro – KO (Head Kick) – UFC 291, July 29, 2023

Kopylov is rising fast and now gets the biggest opportunity of his career, co-main event against a former title challenger.

Costa possesses raw power and aggressive flurries, especially in the first two rounds. However, Kopylov’s precision, timing, and variety, especially his body work, give him an edge in clean technical exchanges.

Neither fighter is a strong wrestler, but Costa has better takedown defense and physical control. Kopylov’s submission defense remains questionable, but Costa rarely hunts submissions or uses prolonged grappling.

Costa fades in later rounds if pressured. Kopylov has gone the distance more recently and carries his power into the third round, as seen against Curtis. Both men are durable, but Costa has absorbed more damage in recent high-level wars.

Costa’s erratic fight scheduling and recent form could hinder him against a confident, active striker like Kopylov. Meanwhile, Kopylov’s late-fight confidence and composure under fire could prove decisive in a tight battle.

Prediction

This co-main event features the classic showdown of power vs. precision. Costa may blitz early and land heavy, but if he fails to secure an early finish, Kopylov’s technique, body kicks, and range management will begin to wear on the Brazilian.

Kopylov is entering his prime with a clean striking game and growing fight IQ, while Costa appears to be on the decline after several decision losses against elite competition. Expect a competitive first round, followed by Kopylov taking over as Costa slows.

Prediction:
Roman Kopylov def. Paulo Costa via TKO (Body Kick & Punches) – Round 3

A breakout performance from the Russian could place him firmly in the top 10 and mark the end of Costa’s run among middleweight elites.