Roman Yuryevich Kopylov Bio
Roman Yuryevich Kopylov is a Russian mixed martial artist competing in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Born on May 4, 1991, Kopylov has built a reputation for his aggressive fighting style and strong background in hand-to-hand combat sambo, which has contributed to his success in professional MMA since his debut in 2016.
Early Life and Background
Roman Kopylov was born in Shchebzavod, a small village in the Kemerovo Oblast of the former Soviet Union. From a young age, he was exposed to martial arts, beginning training at age nine. His parents, both former athletes, supported his early interest in combat sports, which helped him develop a strong foundation in hand-to-hand combat sambo. Kopylov’s early competitive success included winning trophies at city, regional, and higher levels starting around 2010. He also served in the National Guard of the Siberian District, where he continued to compete in martial arts.
He pursued higher education at Kemerovo State University and the Novokuznetsk Institute, earning degrees in economics and physical education. These academic achievements complemented his athletic career and provided a balanced background for his professional pursuits.
Path to MMA
Kopylov’s extensive experience in hand-to-hand combat sambo, where he is a five-time world champion and multiple-time European and Russian champion, laid the groundwork for his transition to mixed martial arts. His success in sambo demonstrated his technical skill and competitive mindset, which he carried into MMA. Inspired by fighters like Fedor Emelianenko, Kopylov began his professional MMA career in 2016, quickly making a name for himself in Russian regional promotions.
His early MMA career involved competing in tournaments such as the WCSA and League S-70, where he showcased his knockout power and tactical fighting approach. These performances earned him contracts with larger organizations, including Fight Nights Global, where he fought for and won middleweight titles, further establishing his credentials as a rising MMA talent.
Roman Kopylov Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Roman Kopylov debuted professionally in MMA in April 2016 at the WCSA tournament in Ufa, winning his first fight by unanimous decision. Throughout 2016, he fought in League S-70 and other regional promotions, securing knockouts and victories that highlighted his aggressive style and finishing ability. By the end of 2016, Kopylov had signed with Fight Nights Global, where he continued to build momentum with wins over notable opponents such as Artem Shokalo and Jacob Ortiz.
In 2018, Kopylov won a significant title fight against Yasubei Enomoto in a joint Fight Nights and GTC event. This victory was a milestone in his career, demonstrating his ability to defeat experienced and accomplished fighters. His performance solidified his status as a top contender in the middleweight division within the Russian MMA scene.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2019–Present)
Kopylov signed with the UFC and was scheduled to debut in 2019 but withdrew from his initial fight due to injury. He officially made his UFC debut in November 2019 against Karl Roberson but suffered his first professional loss via submission. Despite early setbacks, Kopylov remained active in the UFC, facing a range of opponents and earning notable wins by knockout, including victories over Alessio Di Chirico, Punahele Soriano, Claudio Ribeiro, and Josh Fremd.
His UFC tenure has been marked by resilience and improvement, with multiple Performance of the Night bonuses awarded for his knockout victories. Kopylov’s fighting style and ability to finish fights have made him a fan favorite and a dangerous competitor in the middleweight division. He has also faced challenges such as fight cancellations and health issues but continues to compete at a high level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Roman Kopylov fights from a southpaw stance and is known for his aggressive approach and powerful striking, particularly his knockout ability. His background in hand-to-hand combat sambo provides him with strong grappling skills, but his preference is to finish fights with strikes. His reach and height advantage allow him to control distance effectively, and he is recognized for his stamina and ability to maintain pressure throughout bouts.
Notable Events and Milestones
Kopylov’s career highlights include multiple knockout wins in the UFC, earning Performance of the Night awards, and capturing middleweight titles in Fight Nights Global. His victory over Yasubei Enomoto in 2018 was a defining moment, as was his UFC knockout win against Punahele Soriano in 2023. Despite some losses, Kopylov has demonstrated consistent growth and the ability to compete against high-level opponents.
Roman Kopylov Career Wins
Roman Kopylov has amassed a professional MMA record of 14 wins and 5 losses, with the majority of his victories coming by knockout. His finishing rate underscores his effectiveness as a striker and his capacity to end fights decisively.
Fight Nights Global Highlights
During his time in Fight Nights Global, Kopylov secured several key wins, including capturing the middleweight championship. His knockout of Yasubei Enomoto in 2018 stands out as a career highlight, showcasing his ability to dominate experienced fighters and perform under pressure.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
In the UFC, Kopylov has recorded multiple knockout victories, earning Performance of the Night bonuses for his finishes against Punahele Soriano and Josh Fremd. His UFC wins demonstrate his continued development and adaptation to the highest level of MMA competition.
Roman Kopylov Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Roman Kopylov was born to parents who were both former athletes, which influenced his early involvement in martial arts. Details about his family beyond this background are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Kopylov resides in Bachatsky, Russia. There is no publicly available information regarding his marital status or children.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Roman Kopylov continues to compete actively in the UFC middleweight division. He faced César Almeida in June 2024, securing a split decision win, and was scheduled for bouts later in the year, including a fight against Paulo Costa and Gregory Rodrigues. Kopylov experienced a mix of results, including a knockout win and decision losses, reflecting the competitive nature of the division. Despite undergoing appendicitis surgery that caused a withdrawal from a scheduled fight, Kopylov remains a significant contender with a reputation for exciting finishes and resilience. His ongoing partnership with Team Ratiborets supports his training and competitive efforts as he aims to climb the middleweight rankings.