Roman Kopylov delivered the big upset of UFC 332. On Saturday in Salt Lake City, the Russian stopped Ateba Gautier by TKO at 3:12 of round 1, when the Cameroonian was unbeaten in 5 UFC fights. A straight left, a follow-up combination, then ground strikes were enough. Kopylov was more than a 2-to-1 underdog.
Key takeaways
- Roman Kopylov beats Ateba Gautier by TKO (punches) at 3:12 of round 1 at UFC 332.
- Gautier, 24, takes his 1st UFC loss after 5 wins and drops to 11-2.
- Kopylov, more than a 2-to-1 underdog, moves to 16-5 overall, 8-5 in the UFC.
Roman Kopylov, speed against power
The center of the cage
Kopylov took the center early, with speed and low kicks. Gautier looked for the range to land his right hand and connected with a hard body kick.
The trap
The Russian slipped the heavy shots and countered. He made Gautier overextend, then staggered him with a straight left.
The end at 3:12
A follow-up combination sent Gautier down. Kopylov followed with ground strikes until the referee stepped in, at 3:12 of round 1.
Ateba Gautier, a 1st setback in the UFC
5 wins, then the fall
Gautier came in with 5 wins in 5 UFC fights and the status of a top middleweight prospect. His record moves to 11-2 overall, 5-1 in the UFC.
What Kopylov says
On the microphone, Kopylov said he felt like he was dreaming. He recalled that he was facing a young opponent who finishes everybody by knockout.
What it changes
At 24, Gautier has time on his side, but his climb toward the top of the division slows down. Kopylov restarts his middleweight career with a signature win.
Honestly, I think I'm dreaming. I was up against a young guy, a killer.
A night of finishes in Salt Lake City
The knockouts kept coming
This TKO adds to a long run of round 1 stoppages on the card, including Johnny Walker’s KO of Mick Parkin and Payton Talbott’s win over Deiveson Figueiredo in 2:09.
Our preview
We had presented Gautier as the favorite against a veteran with more speed than power. Speed is exactly what made the difference.
Follow the middleweights
Kopylov’s and Gautier’s profiles, their updated records and our middleweight rating are in the FightHub app.
- Ateba Gautier, 5-0 in the UFC, faces his biggest test against Roman Kopylov at UFC 332
- Johnny Walker knockout: Mick Parkin put out by a knee in round 1 at UFC 332
- Johnny Walker moves up to heavyweight at UFC 332 against Mick Parkin after years of brutal weight cuts
- Figueiredo vs Talbott at UFC 332: the former 2-time flyweight champion against the prospect who beat Cejudo
