Knockout artists Roman Kopylov and Claudio Ribeiro faced off on the UFC 291 prelims in the middleweight division, in what turned out to be an explosive affair.
Twenty of these fighters’ combined twenty-one professional wins had come by knockout. As a result this one was expected to not go the distance. The Russian-born Kopylov had gotten off to a rough start in the UFC with two losses that took away his undefeated record. However, since then he has won back-to-back fights by knockout and looked better than ever. Ribeiro also has a .500 record in the promotion, having lost his debut by knockout but bouncing back with a KO of his own in his sophomore effort over Joseph Holmes.
Kopylov, a southpaw, slowly pressed forward against the orthodox Ribiero to start the bout. He landed a straight left twenty seconds in that snapped the Brazilian’s head back, then another, and then a solid outside leg kick. Ribierowaited for Kopylov to enter range and swung wildly but had trouble connecting with anything except kicks. He landed a few leg kicks but had a good body kick two minutes in. However Kopylov responded with an even better one that thudded on the stomach of Claudio.
After a pause Kopylov launched into a flying knee that connected partially. Ribiero shelled up against the fence and Roman was able to land big hooks. Then Ribiero decided to go forward and landed some wild hooks, but many missed as Kopylov retreated backwards until the blitz stopped. Ribiero went forward more but Roman led him right onto a monster left hand that threatened to stagger Claudio, but the Brazilian regained his feet. Roman pressed him back against the fence and unloaded but Ribiero stayed composed behind his guard, although unable to return.
Kopylov then ate a big right hand that staggered him back until he hit the fence. Ribiero unloaded on him but was unable to put Roman out. With ten seconds left Claudio shot a takedown but Kopylov defended it until the bell rang.
Both men had been hurt in a crazy first round; the fans were on the edge of their seats at the start of the second. The round started more patiently than the first had ended until Roman Kopylov launched his first attack of the round, a head kick off of a feinted jab which caught Ribiero perfectly. Claudio Ribiero hit the mat instantly and lay there, dazed. Kopylov landed one follow up shot before the ref stepped in, stopping the fight.
Official Result: Roman Kopylov def. Claudio Ribiero by KO (head kick), Round 2, 0:33
