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Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov: UFC 318 Co-Main Event Preview
11 months agoUS
UFC 318 features a compelling co-main event between Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov in the middleweight division. Costa, aiming to break a two-fight losing streak, faces Kopylov, who seeks to extend his winning momentum. This fight is crucial for both fighters as they look to climb the middleweight rankings.
Key Insights
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Paulo Costa (14-4) is looking to rebound from recent losses, while Roman Kopylov (14-3) aims to continue his winning streak.
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Costa's aggressive striking style, landing 6.22 significant strikes per minute, could be a liability against Kopylov's kickboxing expertise.
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Kopylov was initially the betting favorite at -300, but the odds have shifted slightly to -224, with Costa at +189.
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Costa has expressed past dissatisfaction with his UFC contract, stating he felt unfairly paid in his early fights.
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Why this matters:: This fight could significantly impact the middleweight division's landscape, potentially setting up future title contenders. Costa needs a win to stay relevant, while Kopylov seeks to break into the top tier.
In-Depth Analysis
Paulo Costa, known for his explosive striking, has struggled with consistency in recent years, going 1-4 in his last five fights. His last victory was against Luke Rockhold in August 2022. Costa's tendency to engage in striking wars might be risky against Kopylov, a skilled kickboxer. Roman Kopylov, a former Fight Nights Global middleweight champion, had initial setbacks in the UFC but has since found his rhythm with a series of knockout wins. Despite a loss to Anthony Hernandez, Kopylov bounced back with a win against Chris Curtis, showcasing his striking prowess. If Costa can bring the fight to the ground, he may have an edge, but his takedown success has been limited since 2019. Kopylov's striking accuracy and Costa's resilience suggest this fight could go the distance, with Kopylov favored to win by decision.
FAQs
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Q: What is at stake for Paulo Costa in this fight?
Costa needs a win to revitalize his career and remain a relevant contender in the middleweight division.
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Q: What are Roman Kopylov's strengths?
Kopylov is a skilled kickboxer with a history of knockout victories.
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Q: What are the betting odds for the fight?
As of July 16, 2025, Kopylov is favored at -224, while Costa is at +189.
Key Takeaways
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The UFC 318 co-main event is a critical bout for both Costa and Kopylov.
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Kopylov's striking ability gives him an edge, but Costa's resilience makes him a dangerous opponent.
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This fight will likely determine each fighter's trajectory in the middleweight division.
Discussion
Do you think Costa's aggressive style will be enough to overcome Kopylov's striking? Let us know! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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