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Paulo Costa returns to action after a tough loss to Sean Strickland in the co-main event of UFC 318 against Roman Kopylov, a dangerous striker who has built momentum with a string of highlight-reel finishes. Both fighters carry knockout power, but with different approaches in fights.
Costa likes to march forward, break down opponents with pressure, and target the body with hooks and kicks. When he’s in rhythm, few can match his output or physicality.
Kopylov, on the other hand, is precise. He throws less but lands cleaner. His head kicks and counter shots have stopped seasoned veterans, and his composure under fire has improved with each outing. The Russian holds a 6-3 record in the UFC with five finishes.
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Costa’s volume and aggression could smother Kopylov early, but he’ll need to avoid getting clipped during entries.
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UFC 318 takes place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Saturday, July 19, with early prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN2, ESPN+, and Disney+, prelims at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+. Meanwhile, the main card will air on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live coverage and play-by-play updates of the fight:
Round 1
Costa immediately takes control of the center of the octagon and fires strong inside leg kicks. He barely misses with the overhand right as Kopylov tries to close the distance. Costa is battering the lead leg of Kopylov. He gets inside range and lands a one-two combination on Costa. Kopylov attacks the body with jabs. Strong body kick from Kopylov. Costa attacks the body with a jab and a right hand. He hurts Kopylov with a right hand and swarms in for the finish. Strong body kick from Costa.
Our Score: 10-9 Costa
Round 2
Costa gets back to attacking the lead leg. He's piecing Kopylov up with a range of kicks from inside leg kicks to body attacks. Solid counterattack from Kopylov with the left straight. Costa digs to the body with the right hook. A series of left hooks to the body and the head from Costa. He staggers Kopylov again with the right hand and immediately gets back to attacking with the kicks. Costa slips off the angle to the right and hurts Kopylov. A good right hand and body kick from Kopylov. Stinging teep kicks to the body from Costa.
Our Score: 10-9 Costa (20-18 overall)
Round 3
Kopylov attacks with jabs as Costa seems to have slowed down a bit. He's pressuring Costa against the cage and lands a good left hand. Kopylov is letting his hands go in the third round. He's getting the better of the exchanges. Costa lands a good right hand. Strong right hook from Kopylov that wobbles Costa. He needs to amplify the pressure and chase the finish. Costa recovers well and gets back to attacking the body. Kopylov swarms in range to land combinations, and Costa invites the exchange. Costa snaps Kopylov's head back with a straight right hand. A late right-hand connection from Costa late in the round.
Our Score: 10-9 Costa (30-27 overall)
Official Result
Paulo Costa defeats Roman Kopylov by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, and 29-28).
