Roman Kopylov prepared for busy second half of 2024 – if it's in UFC's high 15

NEWARK, N.J. – Roman Kopylov beat Cesar Almeida with a break up resolution Saturday to shut out the preliminary card at UFC 302 at Prudential Middle in Newark, N.J.

Have a look contained in the battle with Kopylov, who received again within the win column after his four-fight profitable streak was snapped in February.

Roman Kopylov def. Cesar Almeida

Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Roman Kopylov (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Cesar Almeida (pink gloves) throughout UFC 302 at Prudential Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports activities

Outcome: Roman Kopylov def. Cesar Almeida through break up resolution (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Up to date data: Kopylov (13-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC), Almeida (5-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Key stats: Though Kopylov misplaced the putting battle, he managed greater than 8 minutes of the battle for his first resolution win since his professional debut greater than eight years in the past.

Kopylov on the battle’s key second

Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Cesar Almeida (pink gloves) fights Roman Kopylov (blue gloves) throughout UFC 302 at Prudential Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports activities

“It’s actually good to be again within the victory column. After all, I need it to be a little bit extra of an thrilling battle, however crucial factor is victory. … I knew that I landed a extremely good shot (within the first) and I didn’t actually acknowledge it instantly, however I heard my nook. My nook stated again up, let him stand up, and if I did that earlier then I believe that I might be capable to end the battle.”

Kopylov on utilizing a wrestling-based assault

“The vast majority of fights in my profession didn’t final three rounds. They completed method earlier. So in fact we knew that he was a really adorned kickboxer. We knew that his base was kickboxing. So the thought was to wrestle as a lot as potential, and I believe it was a brand new search for the followers to see that I’m in a position to wrestle.”

Kopylov on what he desires subsequent

“I wish to be lively, if potential. I’d like to battle two extra instances this yr. I believe I’ll be prepared for September, and if the promotion will permit it, I might like to get any person from the highest 15 – anyone.”

To listen to extra from Kopylov, take a look at the video of the total post-fight interview above.

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 302.

UFC 302

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