Russian mixed martial artist Roman Kopylov has publicly expressed his readiness to step in against Khamzat Chimaev if Paulo Costa withdraws from UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. The message appeared on his social media account, where Kopylov stated his willingness to take the fight and fill the vacancy created by Costa’s potential exit.
In a post addressed to fans and promoters, Kopylov said he was prepared to face Chimaev in place of Costa, underscoring his confidence and readiness to compete at the highest level. This development comes amid ongoing rumors and speculation about injury setbacks and fight card adjustments ahead of UFC 294.
On September 17, Kopylov delivered a knockout win over Josh Fremd in the UFC circuit, marking a significant moment in his career. The victory brought his professional MMA record to 14 fights, with 12 wins and 2 losses. Since turning pro in 2016, Kopylov has built a reputation as a rugged competitor with a versatile skill set. He previously held the title of middleweight champion in AMC Fighting Nights, a notable Russian promotion that has helped shape many regional talents for international stages.
Prior to his current momentum, Kopylov competed in the UFC five times, recording defeats in 2019 and 2021 while securing wins in 2022 and 2023. His recent form includes a knockout over Claudio Ribeiro at UFC 291 on July 30, a performance that reinforced his standing in the light heavyweight trajectory as he continues to pursue higher-profile matchups on the global stage.
Industry commentary has highlighted Kopylov’s potential to rise among the sport’s prominent athletes. Vyacheslav Vasilevski, a veteran of the sport, has publicly stated that Kopylov possesses the capacity to become one of the leading figures in MMA, noting his development and fight IQ as indicators of a bright future. These assessments reflect the broader sentiment within the combat sports community about Kopylov’s ceiling and potential progression to championship contention. [Source attribution: MMA industry insiders]