One UFC 318 hunter delivered a knockout so devastating that it might even have surpassed the BMF-title-winning finish of Justin Gaethje.
After the edition of the International Fight Week of this year, which concluded with Ilia Topuria who eliminated Charles Oliveira to become a two-division champion, attention will soon focus on UFC's pay-per-view offer in July.
The next numbered event takes place in New Orleans on July 19. Instead of a division title, UFC 318 is covered by Dustin Poirier's pension fight against Max Holloway.
The map as a whole has been criticized by many fans and analysts, but there are still a number of exciting names that will look at memorable action at Smoothie King Center. And that includes a man who has delivered one of the most brutal knockouts in recent memory.
Roman Kopylov spread Claudio Ribeiro malignant with 'the most perfect kick' on UFC 291
UFC 291 In July 2023, it is largely remembered for Justin Gaethje, who eliminates Dustin Poirier in their main event Rematch to win the symbolic BMF title.
But for many that wasn't even the best head-kick ko of the night.
During the provisional map, Roman Kopylov raised a peak for the centuries by sleeping Claudio Ribeiro with a thunderous main kick 33 seconds in the second round.
The vicious movement saw comparisons drawn with the comeback finish by Leon Edwards against Kamaru Usman to win the Welterweight title in the previous year.
The PPV commentary team of Jon Anik, Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier were not surprisingly crazy. While the game-by-play lead jumped up, 'DC' had his head in his head while leaning on a Shellshocked Rogan.
The knockout quickly became viral and led to many reactions from the MMA community.
“That is the most perfect kick I've ever seen.”
“That is filthy.”
“Leon Kick?”
“Fold.”
“Kopylov is so good.”
Roman Kopylov welcomes Paulo Costa back to action on UFC 318
Since a setback of the entry to Anthony Hernandez at the beginning of 2024, Kopylov has broken down two consecutive victories to get back on the right track.
After Kopylov Chris Curtis had stopped in the last second of their fight during the very first event of 2025 with another main kick, the Russian earned a shot in the ranking.
The 34-year-old gets the chance to climb the ladder at UFC 318 when he is confronted with former title-finaler Paulo Costa in the Co-Main event.
In the five years since losing his unbeaten status against Israel Adesanya, 'Borrachinha' has won only one of his four fights. After having had the last time-out in a matte way against Sean Strickland, Costa is urgently needed a bounce back or otherwise he will probably find without a song next to his name.
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