Roman Kopylov (8-0) aims to claim his ninth straight knockout victim in his octagon debut this weekend at UFC Moscow. The Siberian savage was raised in the Southeast of Russia, in a small town outside the city of Novosibirsk. At age nine, Roman picked up martial arts in the form of combat sambo, a popular Russian sport combining striking and takedown throws.
Roman Kopylov strengthened his skills in sambo enough to challenge on the world stage, winning three world championships and two European straps to boot! Once he was satisfied running through the competition he switched over to MMA in 2016.
Roman silenced doubters with four straight finishes, showing fans he has far more than just lightning quick striking combinations. He utilizes feints from his southpaw stance to keep opponents on the back foot. Kopylov loves to pressure with a right jab and left hook and uppercut. You can never take a moment to breathe because he always has the left high kick locked and loaded.
After three more stoppages under giant Russian MMA promotion, Fight Nights Global, Roman Kopylov strapped a Middleweight title around his waist in 2018. Roman made one title defense before signing with the UFC in time for the Promotion’s second-ever Russia card.
Even though his ship is set to sail to UFC stardom, Kopylov keeps a close circle and still trains at home. Roman says he fights for his family and he still lives with them while training with lifelong partners in his hometown. Kopylov loves to venture across the Globe to finish his camp, sparring with top competition.
Roman was set to face Krzysztof Jotko (21-4) in April 2019 but had to delay his big debut due to injury. Now he gets a second chance at octagon success on Saturday, November 9th facing a tough challenge in Karl Roberson (8-2) at UFC Moscow!
Roman Kopylov | 8-0 | 6’2 185 lbs. | Age 28 | Reach 75” | Southpaw Stance | Fighting Out of Novosibirsk, Russia
Check out our highlights on fellow UFC Moscow fighters…
Zabit “Zabeast” Magomedsharipov > Here
Greg “Prince of War” Hardy > Here
Zelim Imadaev > Here
Khadis Ibragimov > Here
Karl “Baby K” Roberson > Here
Fighter profile courtesy of Tapology.com > Here