Paulo Costa gave a vintage performance at the UFC 318 Co-Main event on Saturday night.
Costa put on a vintage performance in New Orleans, mixing his impressive stuff together, forcing Kopirov to the feet of his back.
“Ellager” almost finished the match in the second round, connecting Kopirov to the straight right that tripped over the fence. Kopylov survived the subsequent onslaught, but his offensive output took a considerable recession for the rest of the stanza.
Knowing he probably needed a finish, Kopirov tried to push the third pace. He found some success when Costa seemed to be slowing down, but Kopirov showed little urgency, so Costa cost the victory of a decisive unanimous decision and his first victory in three years.
Official Results: Paulo Costa def. Kopirov of Rome, unanimously determined (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
See the highlights of Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov at UFC 318.
Paulo Costa went out to Kamza Chimaev after his victory #ufc318
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– Championship Round (@champrds) July 20, 2025
