Seeking his first win since 2022, one-time title challenger Paulo Costa returned to the Octagon at UFC 318 on Saturday night for a high-stakes scrap with Russian knockout artist Roman Kopylov.
Riding back-to-back wins over César Almeida and Chris Curtis, Kopylov looked to secure his seventh career win under the UFC banner whilst simultaneously handing ‘The Eraser’ his third straight defeat.
Round 1
Costa lands a nice inside leg kick to get the offense going. Kopylov responds with a left that partially connects. Costa goes back to the low kicks before swinging big with a right hand up top. Kopylov lands a short left that pops the Brazilian’s head back. Costa throws another lead leg attack and is met with a counter jab from Kopylov. Both fighters are starting to let the fists fly with two minutes to go in the round.
Kopylov connects with a one-two. Costa waves him on, asking for more. Kopylov throws a heavy body kick. Costa fires back with a head kick that fails to get through the Russian’s guard. Costa lands a right hand that sends Kopylov’s mouthpiece flying across the Octagon. Costa unleashes a slew of strikes on the ground, but Kopylov weathers the storm and escapes. Costa lands a thudding body kick as the round comes to a close.
Round 2
Costa continues to mix up his strikes, forcing Kopylov to second-guess himself. Costa lands a nice right kick to the body. Kopylov counters with a right hand, but Costa comes right back with a straight to the body. Costa is starting to sling leather and connects with a straight right that sends Kopylov stumbling back toward the fence. Costa briefly clinches up, landing a knee in the onside before separating. Kopylov’s offense is practically non-existent as Costa stalks forward.
Kopylov lets a right hand go that connects. He follows it up with a body kick. Costa fires back with a front kick to the midsection. Kopylov with a straight left that lands, but he’s only throwing one shot at a time.
Round 3
Kopylov gets on his front foot in the third, likely recognizing that he’s down 2-0. Kopylov lands a left, but Costa counters with a shot of his own. Kopylov is starting to throw a bit more as Costa is beginning to slow down and breathe a little heavier. Kopylov lands a huge right hand that buckles Costa. Kopylov appears to be in the driver’s seat with two minutes left in the fight, but he likely needs a finish if he wants to leave New Orleans with his hand raised.
Costa rips to the body and shoots in for a takedown, but Kopylov’s defense holds up. Kopylov connects with a right hand, followed by a late right-hand connection. Costa offers up a three-punch combo as the final seconds tick off the clock.
Official Result: Paulo Costa def. Roman Kopylov via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Check Out Highlights From Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov at UFC 318:
Paulo Costa fue dominante en los tres asaltos! #UFC318 pic.twitter.com/RwWhAg1HmP
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) July 20, 2025
Victoria por decisión unánime para Paulo Costa 🏆 #UFC318 pic.twitter.com/bEzgtv0COL
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) July 20, 2025
