Paulo Costa is again within the win column as soon as once more, stopping the up-and-coming Roman Kopylov within the co-main occasion of UFC 318.
Costa discovered success by various his strikes and mixing issues up in the course of the opening body, whereas it appeared like Kopylov didn’t get into second gear. Costa then rocked Kopylov earlier than the top of the spherical.
Costa continued to seek out success together with his hanging, particularly together with his kicks, staying affected person on the surface and choosing his spots. Costa would rock Kopylov twice extra within the second spherical — although Kopylov picked it up a bit of bit towards the top of the second.
Costa seemed to be tiring within the third spherical however maintained management of the combat’s tempo, utilizing his footwork and head motion to keep away from Kopylov’s strikes. That’s till Kopylov briefly surprised him in the midst of the third.
Costa scored a unanimous determination win and, as beforehand said, known as out Khamzat Chimaev — who challenges for the middleweight title subsequent month at UFC 319.
Paulo Costa Outworks Roman Kopylov At UFC 318
Paulo Costa vs Joe Pyfer could be
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) July 20, 2025
My mom requested me if I had washed the dishes, i merely replied “Paulo Costa”She began yelling at me, realizing the dishes had been NOT WASHED!!!!! pic.twitter.com/iqztot9rM0
— – Bobbye
(@mmagulio) July 20, 2025
Paulo Costa is locked in for the primary time in 5 years
— Shinobi
(@shinobi_01) July 20, 2025
Costa entered tonight with losses in 4 of his earlier 5 after beginning his MMA profession 11-0. Final yr, Costa suffered losses to former middleweight champions Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland.
Kopylov entered tonight with six wins in his final seven, together with a end of Chris Curtis in January.
