Roman Kopylov UFC knockout artist continues to captivate fans with his powerful finishes inside the octagon. Since his UFC debut in 2019, the Russian martial arts champion has secured five knockouts across eight fights, demonstrating his striking prowess and finishing ability. As he prepares for his upcoming bout at UFC 318, Kopylov remains a pivotal figure in the highly competitive middleweight division.
Early Life and Martial Arts Background
Born on May 4, 1991, in Shchebzavod, Russia, Roman Kopylov is 34 years old as of July 2025. He started training in martial arts at just nine years old, eventually becoming a five-time world champion in hand-to-hand sambo combat. This foundation in sambo has greatly influenced his fighting style, which combines technical grappling with explosive striking, paving his way to success in the UFC.
Physical Attributes Contributing to His Fighting Style
Standing exactly six feet tall, Kopylov competes in the middleweight category where the weight limit is 185 pounds, matching his own weight for the past encounter against Anthony Hernandez. His reach spans 75 inches (191 cm), giving him a significant advantage in striking distance over many of his opponents. These physical traits complement his aggressive approach inside the cage.
Social Media Presence and Fan Following
Kopylov has cultivated a strong following on social media, particularly on Instagram, where he is followed by over 90,000 fans under the handle roman_kopylov. While he remains inactive on X (formerly Twitter), his Instagram account provides updates and insights into his training and fight preparations.
Mixed Martial Arts Record and Notable Fights
Roman Kopylov’s MMA record highlights his skill as a knockout artist, with notable wins and some tough setbacks. One of his most memorable moments came in January 2025, when he knocked out Chris Curtis with a head kick delivered in the final second of their third round clash. This finish earned Kopylov the fight of the night bonus.
Despite this, Curtis contested the result, disputing the knockout verdict, but the official decision remained unchanged. Earlier, Kopylov faced a tough loss against Anthony Hernandez at UFC 298. Originally a late replacement for Ikram Aliskerov, Kopylov battled Hernandez fiercely before succumbing to a rear-naked choke in the second round. This fight demonstrated Kopylov’s resilience despite being on short notice.
Upcoming Challenge Against Paulo Costa at UFC 318
Kopylov is set to face Paulo Costa in what promises to be a high-stakes match on the main card of UFC 318. Their fight was initially planned for UFC 317 but was postponed after Costa withdrew due to illness. The bout was later rescheduled for UFC 319 before being moved forward to UFC 318. This matchup is highly anticipated as both fighters seek to climb the middleweight ranks.
Financial Standing and Career Outlook
Information regarding Roman Kopylov’s net worth remains limited. According to Sporty Salaries in 2024, his estimated net worth was around $1 million, although no recent assessments have been published since. As Kopylov continues to earn victories and bonuses in the UFC, his financial profile is expected to grow alongside his reputation as a formidable knockout artist.