UFC 318: Paulo Costa vs Roman Kopylov

At UFC 318 on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Paulo Costa faced Roman Kopylov in a pivotal middleweight co-main event held in New Orleans. Coming into the fight, Costa was under pressure, having lost four of his last five bouts. His most recent performances had raised concerns about his consistency and hunger. Meanwhile, Kopylov arrived with momentum, having built a reputation as a dangerous striker with a string of impressive finishes, including a highlight-reel head-kick knockout in his previous fight.

From the opening bell, Costa fought with urgency and purpose. He used a steady mix of powerful body and leg kicks to slow Kopylov down and establish control of the cage. Kopylov managed to fire back with some crisp jabs and targeted body shots, but he struggled to keep pace with Costa’s pressure and physicality. In the second round, Costa began to pull away. A clean right hand visibly rocked Kopylov, and the Brazilian continued to chop at his opponent’s base with calculated, punishing kicks. Costa’s ability to manage range and control the rhythm of the fight was key, especially as Kopylov tried to rally in the final frame.

By Round 3, Kopylov mounted some offense, pushing Costa back to the fence in a late attempt to swing the momentum. However, Costa maintained his composure, defending well and countering effectively. After three competitive but clearly controlled rounds, the judges unanimously scored the fight in Costa’s favor, with two scores of 30-27 and one at 29-28. It was a much-needed victory for Costa, who not only broke his losing streak but also reminded fans of the explosive and durable fighter who once challenged for the title.

The win repositions Costa in the crowded middleweight landscape and opens the door for bigger matchups ahead. There’s already speculation about a potential clash with rising contender Khamzat Chimaev. For Kopylov, the loss halts his impressive run, but his performance still showcased toughness and flashes of brilliance. He remains a legitimate threat in the division. Ultimately, Paulo Costa left UFC 318 as the deserved winner by unanimous decision, reigniting his career with a statement performance.