Roman Kopylov trains with Paulo Costa ahead of UFC 332 bout vs. Ateba Gautier

Roman Kopylov is sharpening his tools alongside a familiar face as he prepares for UFC 332. The Russian middleweight has been working with Paulo Costa in camp ahead of his scheduled October 4 bout against Ateba Gautier.

Kopylov, 34, carries a 15-5 record into the fight and represents the Raty Team out of Russia. A southpaw standing six feet tall with a 75-inch reach, he is a well-rounded threat who averages 4.59 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and adds a takedown dimension to his game, averaging 1.14 takedowns per 15 minutes. The choice to bring in Costa as a training partner is notable given their shared history as opponents — a dynamic that now appears to be working in Kopylov's favor in the gym.

Costa, 35, has transitioned to light heavyweight and currently sits sixth in that division's rankings. The Brazilian known as "The Eraser" brings elite striking output to any camp, averaging 6.26 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 58 percent accuracy — numbers that can only sharpen a middleweight preparing for a dangerous test.

That test comes in the form of Ateba Gautier, nicknamed "The Silent Assassin." Just 24 years old, Gautier holds an 11-1 record and presents a significant physical challenge: he stands six-foot-four with an extraordinary 81-inch reach, giving him a substantial frame advantage over Kopylov. He lands 4.44 significant strikes per minute and switches stances, adding unpredictability to his length.

Why it matters

• Kopylov's decision to train with a hard-hitting former opponent suggests a deliberate camp strategy built around staying sharp under pressure
• Gautier's 81-inch reach and switch stance make him a physically unique puzzle for any middleweight
• Kopylov's takedown average of 1.14 per 15 minutes could be his most effective tool against the rangy Gautier
• At just 24, Gautier's 11-1 record signals a prospect with serious momentum heading into this matchup