Gregory Rodrigues Triumphs Over Roman Kopylov in Thrilling Three-Round Tactical Battle

In an exciting showdown at UFC 322, Gregory Rodrigues earned a decisive victory over Roman Kopylov. The match showcased a clash between Kopylov’s precision striking and Rodrigues’ explosive fighting style. Both fighters brought impressive records; Kopylov, at 14-4, aimed to overcome a recent loss to Paulo Costa, while Rodrigues, boasting a record of 17-6, was coming off a TKO win against Jack Hermansson.

Fight Breakdown

Round 1

As the first round commenced, both athletes maintained a cautious distance. Kopylov sought openings while Rodrigues took the initiative to throw early strikes. Rodrigues landed a clean straight right that marked the beginning of his offensive strategy. Despite a brief exchange, Kopylov attempted to counter effectively, targeting Rodrigues’ legs with calf kicks.

The round saw Rodrigues pressing forward, landing body shots, and attempting a takedown. Kopylov managed to reverse the position, but Rodrigues displayed effective guard work, preventing significant damage before the round concluded.

Round 2

Rodrigues continued to dominate in the second round, utilizing strong punches and body strikes. He displayed impressive aggression and mixed his attacks skillfully. Kopylov found moments of success with his jab but struggled to keep pace with Rodrigues’ output. A brief takedown attempt from Rodrigues showcased his grappling skills, yet Kopylov quickly regained his feet.

Rodrigues’ right hand proved particularly effective, helping him control the fight’s tempo. Kopylov’s late head kick attempt was a highlight, but was insufficient to sway the judges.

Round 3

The final round saw Rodrigues maintain a steady rhythm with jabs and strikes. Although Kopylov landed a significant head kick that briefly rocked Rodrigues, the Brazilian fighter responded with a combination of strikes. Despite facing mounting pressure, Rodrigues seemed confident, relying on his previous rounds’ dominance.

As the match approached its conclusion, Kopylov increased his aggression, attempting to secure a finish in the final seconds. However, Rodrigues endured the onslaught, ensuring his victory with a strong overall performance.

Official Result

Gregory Rodrigues triumphed over Roman Kopylov, earning the judges’ scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. This victory further solidified Rodrigues’ position in the competitive middleweight division.