The Russian middleweight with a record-breaking takedown defense rate
In short: In the high-stakes arena of the UFC middleweight division, Roman Kopylov has carved out a unique legacy. Beyond the knockouts, he holds a statistical distinction that places him at the very top of the division's history, proving that defensive mastery is just as vital as offensive power.
Born in the small Russian village of Shchebzavod, Roman Kopylov’s path to the UFC was built on a foundation of elite combat sports. Having started his training at nine, Kopylov, whose parents were both ex-athletes, secured five world titles in hand-to-hand combat sambo. His early competitive success spanned from 2010 through his time in the National Guard of the Siberian District, eventually leading to a professional MMA career that began in Ufa in April 2016. He holds academic credentials from both the Novokuznetsk Institute and Kemerovo State University, where he studied physical education and economics. His professional journey was inspired by the legendary Fedor Emelianenko.
Kopylov’s fighting style is defined by an extraordinary ability to nullify opponents' grappling. He holds the highest takedown defense percentage in the history of the UFC middleweight division at 88.9%. This defensive prowess is paired with significant striking power; he is currently tied with Yoel Romero for the fifth-most knockdowns landed in the division's history, with 10 recorded knockdowns. His striking arsenal includes devastating head kicks, which helped secure victories against opponents like Claudio Ribeiro and Chris Curtis. He also possesses the strength to end fights with powerful body punches.
His career has been marked by both spectacular finishes and significant hurdles. Kopylov has earned multiple 'Performance of the Night' bonuses, notably for victories over Punahele Soriano, Josh Fremd, and Ateba Gautier. However, his ascent has faced interruptions, including a bout cancellation in 2021 due to US visa issues and a 2024 withdrawal following appendicitis surgery. As of October 3, 2026, he remains a highly ranked contender, sitting at #14 in the Meta UFC middleweight rankings. His notable accolades include a Fight of the Night award for his 2025 clash with Curtis. He also previously held the Fight Nights Middleweight Championship.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Roman Kopylov
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