Roman Kopylov turns in his best UFC performance to date as he TKO’s Punahele Soriano in the second round at UFC Strickland Vs Imavov.
Straight to the centre for Punahele Soriano who shoots a takedown. Roman Kopylov shakes it off and the action finds its way back to the middle of the cage. Kopylov lands a nice combination which is met with a huge left from Puna which grazes its target. Roman’s jab is landing, keeping the Soriano power at bay. Whenever Punahele does land the movement of Roman means it’s usually not flush.
Each man starts the second throwing just as they’d left off in the first. After excellent corner work, Soriano is beginning to respond to the Russian’s jab well. Kopylov adapts and lands a huge spinning kick straight to the body. This forms an opening for Kopylov who smells blood and works the body. Clearly hurt, the Hawaiian rallies back and tries to buy some respite. This only works momentarily as Kopylov throws another chopping blow, before unleashing a barrage of blows forcing the ref to step in.
Roman Kopylov secures the win via second-round TKO.
What’s Next?
Moving to two in a row, Roman Kopylov responds to his first two UFC losses with a pair of wins. Moving to an overall record of 10-2, and 2-2 inside the UFC.
Kopylov started slow in the UFC but has shown the skills that got him to the dance. Now the jitters seem to be under control, Roman could put together a run and make a push up the division.
At 31, any fighter in a similar position to him would make sense as a next step for the Russian. Activity could be key in earning big fights going forward.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
