MMA Match Preview: Roman Kopylov (14-4) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (17-6)

Venue & Timing

Event: UFC 322

Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Bell Time: Prelim card, walkouts expected around 8:00 PM ET

Broadcast: ESPN+ (USA), TNT Sports (UK)

Injury Report

Roman Kopylov: No reported injuries; cleared after July loss to Paulo Costa.

Gregory Rodrigues: No reported injuries; healthy following June KO win over Jack Hermansson.

Fighter Matchups

Roman Kopylov:

Style: Southpaw striker, technical boxing, improved knockout power.

Stats: 4.74 strikes landed per minute, 50% accuracy, 87% takedown defense.

Strengths: Crisp combinations, cardio, defensive awareness.

Weaknesses: Can be overpowered by athletic opponents; struggles when pressured.

Gregory Rodrigues:

Style: Aggressive striker with BJJ background.

Stats: 5.54 strikes landed per minute, 51% accuracy, 90% takedown defense.

Strengths: Knockout power, balanced aggression, submission threat.

Weaknesses: Defensive lapses, cardio fades in later rounds.

Recent Form

Kopylov:

Lost to Paulo Costa (UD, July 2025).

Prior: 6 wins in 7 fights, including highlight KO of Chris Curist (Jan 2025).

Rodrigues:

KO win vs. Jack Hermansson (June 2025).

Loss to Jared Cannonier (Feb 2025, main event).

Rebounded with ground mauling of Denis Tiuliulin.

Fight History Context

First meeting between Kopylov and Rodrigues.

Both fighters sit on the fringes of the UFC middleweight rankings.

Kopylov seeks redemption after Costa loss; Rodrigues aims to solidify his comeback trail.

Betting Trends

Rodrigues: 5 of last 7 wins by KO/TKO; bettors favor early finish.

Kopylov: 4 of last 6 wins by KO; sharp bettors targeting his underdog value.

Totals: Both fighters trend toward Under 2.5 rounds due to finishing ability.

Key Factors: Rodrigues’ pressure and knockout power likely overwhelm Kopylov, though Roman’s precision striking makes him a live underdog.

Summary: UFC 322’s middleweight clash promises fireworks. Rodrigues’ aggressive style and knockout power make him the favorite, but Kopylov’s technical boxing and resilience give him upset potential. Expect a violent, high-paced fight with a finish inside two rounds.

FIGHT ODDS

Roman Kopylov                + 140

Gregory Rodrigues          – 170

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, November 14, 2025