Roman Kopelov won a unanimous decision over Marco Tulio with all three judges scoring the bout 29-28 at UFC 328. The Russian fighter dropped Tulio multiple times during the contest but did not secure a finish despite the knockdowns. Kopelov's record in the UFC now stands at 7-5. The fight was described as uneven, with Kopelov absorbing significant damage and losing several exchanges while also delivering several high-quality attacks. Despite his speed, technique, and powerful strikes, Kopelov continues to struggle with consistency and dominance in his UFC performances.
Roman Kopelov earned a unanimous decision victory over Marco Tulio at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28 in the Russian middleweight's favor. The win moves Kopelov to a 7-5 record inside the UFC, a milestone that came with complications, as the bout was far from a clean performance.
Kopelov dropped Tulio multiple times throughout the contest but was unable to capitalize on the knockdowns and secure a stoppage. The fight was described as uneven, with Kopelov absorbing significant damage and losing several exchanges even as he delivered powerful, high-quality attacks. The result reflects an ongoing pattern for Kopelov, a fighter whose speed and technical striking are offset by lapses in consistency and an inability to impose sustained dominance.
Tulio, a 32-year-old Brazilian out of Chute Boxe Diego Lima, came in as a credible threat. Fighting out of an orthodox stance at six feet tall with a 74-inch reach, he carried an active and accurate striking game into the contest, averaging 6.69 significant strikes landed per minute at a 58 percent striking accuracy rate. He also supplements his offense with takedown pressure, averaging 1.42 takedowns per 15 minutes. Despite those tools and a 14-3-0 professional record, Tulio could not weather the knockdowns well enough to take the scorecards.
Why it matters
- Kopelov's 7-5 UFC record keeps him in a competitive but precarious position in the middleweight division, where consistency is essential for ranking advancement
- Tulio's three losses now include a knockdown-heavy defeat, which may affect how matchmakers view his durability going forward
- The fight's uneven nature raises questions about Kopelov's finishing ability and cardio, even as his raw striking quality remains evident
Saturday, May 9, 2026
