Kopylov vs. Costa: High Stakes and Bad Blood Headline Co-Main Event

By Ali Hammad July 16, 2025 09:02

The co-main event of UFC 318, set for this Saturday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, pits two fierce middleweight contenders Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov in a high-stakes clash fueled by recent struggles, redemption hopes, and undeniable bad blood. As both fighters seek to climb back into the title conversation, this matchup carries layers of personal animosity and career urgency.

Costa, the Brazilian knockout artist who stunned the UFC landscape in his early career, enters the Octagon on the heels of a difficult stretch. After bursting onto the scene in 2017 with an unbeaten record and a 100% finishing rate, Costa has suffered setbacks, going 1-3 over his last four bouts. His last fight, a thrilling win over former champion Luke Rockhold at UFC 278, showed sparks of the aggressive “Borrachinha” fans loved but inconsistency and fight cancellations have marred his recent years. A viral infection delayed his originally scheduled UFC 317 fight with Kopylov by three weeks, making this Saturday’s bout a crucial comeback window.

Speaking on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Costa made clear the fight’s significance for him: “This fight is crucial for me... Kopylov is a striker and a southpaw. I know how to handle southpaws. He is dangerous with his kicks and left straights, but I am well-prepared. I’m thrilled about this fight. We can both deliver an exciting performance.” Predicting a rapid finish, Costa said, “This fight won’t go the distance no way it lasts 15 minutes. It might conclude in two rounds or even the first.” His emphasis on aggression signals his intent not just to win but to decisively silence critics.

On the other side stands Roman Kopylov, a 34-year-old Russian veteran with a 14-3 pro record and a reputation for steady improvement. After starting 0-2 in his UFC career, Kopylov has surged with six wins in seven fights, including an impressive head-kick stoppage of veteran Chris Curtis in his last outing. Currently ranked 14th at middleweight, Kopylov recognizes the magnitude of facing Costa, who is one spot ahead in the division. “Only top fighters can beat Paulo,” Kopylov said. “If I beat him, I will belong to this special group of best in the world.” Known for his speed and striking accuracy combined with solid takedown defense, Kopylov sees this fight as a stepping stone to elite status.

Beyond rankings and records, the bout carries bad blood underscoring past tensions CDuring UFC Performance Institute encounters in 2022, Costa and undefeated rising star Khamzat Chimaev exchanged sharp words and accusations, with Costa blaming Chimaev for dodging a fight. This personal drama leaks into Costa’s current mindset, as he aims to use UFC 318 as a springboard toward a potential showdown with Chimaev next month at UFC 319.

Costa’s longtime girlfriend and MMA sports agent, Tamara Alves, has been vocal in her support, describing Costa as “the improved and aggressive version” and providing steady encouragement amidst the pressure. Meanwhile, Kopylov has shown professionalism and calm focus, keen to capitalize on this high-profile opportunity.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for both men: Costa seeks to reclaim the ferocity and momentum that once made him a top contender, while Kopylov aims to cement himself firmly among middleweight elite. With contrasting styles a brutal knockout artist versus a sharp, methodical striker UFC 318’s co-main event promises a hard-fought, explosive affair.

As fight night approaches, fans worldwide eagerly await what could be a pivotal turning point for these two warriors. Whether it’s the resurgence of Costa’s feared aggression or Kopylov’s continued rise, one thing is certain: the bad blood and high stakes will fuel a thrilling battle under the bright lights of New Orleans.