César Almeida vs. Roman Kopylov: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Veteran former kickboxer César Almeida takes on Roman Kopylov in the last fight of the prelims at UFC 302. This would be Almeida’s sophomore bout in the UFC, and the former kickboxer is unbeaten in MMA. Kopylov lost to Anthony Hernandez last February, losing a four-fight winning streak. UFC 302 takes place this weekend in New Jersey, and César Almeida is the oddsmaker's favorite. The fight will be contested at Middleweight.

MMA: UFC Middleweight

Where to Watch: ESPN2/ ESPN+

Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey

Date: 02.06.2024. 03:00

One of the best Middleweight kickboxers in the world, Brazil’s César Almeida debuted in the UFC this year, following the paths of Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira. The Brazilian stopped Dylan Budka with a TKO in the second round of their April 2024 fight to win a Performance of the Night award in his debut. The 36-year-old, who fought almost sixty kickboxing bouts, including a trilogy with Alex Pereira, earned a UFC contract with a victory at DWCS 57 last year. He had also competed in Brazil’s Shooto promotion. “Cesinha” is unbeaten in MMA.

• Age: 36
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 285lbs (84kg)
• Reach: 74”
• Record: 5-0

A former five-time world champion in hand-to-hand combat sambo, Roman Kopylov saw his winning streak ended last February by Anthony Hernandez via a submission. The Russian Middleweight debuted in the UFC in 2019 and, after a difficult start, acclimatized to the elite division. The southpaw’s four-fight winning streak all ended in knockout victories. The 33-year-old from Kemerovo started training martial arts as a child and won several European and Russian championships in combat sambo.

• Age: 33
• Height: 6’0’’
• Reach: 75”
• Weight: 185lbs (84kg)
• Record: 12-3

Roman Kopylov is a 2.00 underdog on Bet365, which prices the favorite at 1.80. Betway lists over 2.5 at 1.75 odds, and César Almeida to win at 1.76. 1XBET prices under 2.5 at 1.86 and No to the start of the third round for 1.87. Read more.