Roman Kopylov, a multiple hand-to-hand combat world champion and former Fight Nights promotion champion, began his UFC career with two straight losses, but has since earned two early wins, avoided getting fired and renewed his contract with the promotion on better terms. He will be the favorite in his fight against Brazilian Claudio Ribeiro this weekend.
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In an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net, Kopylov spoke about:
- the upcoming fight with Claudio Ribeiro;
- the spectacular side of hand-to-hand combat;
- his emotions after Alexander Shlemenko's victory over Alex Oliveira. a serious test for Khamzat Chimaev in the form of Paulo Costa;
- why Tony Ferguson is still fighting;
- why a rematch between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje won't go the distance.
"I've been training in Makhachkala and I expect the result to be the same as in the previous fights"
- How do you feel after coming to America? How smooth was the preparation for this fight?
- Everything is good, I'm in a great mood. As always, we trained in Makhachkala. Thank God I am well prepared and I intend to actually demonstrate it.
- You decided to stick to your winning strategy after two successful fights, right?
- Yes, it's true. I worked in the same place, with the same fighters, and now I expect the same result.
- At the beginning of your career you used to train on the Seminsky Pass in summer. Do you do that now?
- We usually went there in June or July, but this time I was already in the boot camp in Makhachkala. Actually, we go to Seminsky Pass every year. This time a team from my village went there, but I was already in Makhachkala. But we also had a training camp in the mountains, so we still did all the necessary work.
- How high is it?
- Up to 2,000 meters, just like the Seminsky Pass.
"I'm glad that Shlemenko ended his losing streak"
- You are one of the most decorated representatives of hand-to-hand combat. Can we say that you are promoting this discipline in MMA like Fedor Emelianenko promoted combat sambo in his time?
- Of course it makes me happy that you noticed it and everyone says that I started from hand-to-hand combat. I'm happy that fighters from hand-to-hand combat can go to the best leagues in the world and compete with all kinds of people. I am happy to be able to develop hand-to-hand combat because it is indeed a very strong martial art discipline.
- Another outstanding practitioner of hand-to-hand combat, Alexander Shlemenko, recently defeated UFC veteran Alex Oliveira. What were your impressions of that fight?
- I've known Alexander for a long time, I've been to his training camp. I try to watch his fights because they are always spectacular. Hand-to-hand fighting is a punching sport and it's very entertaining and Alexander confirms that. This time he choked out his opponent and I congratulate him. I'm very happy that he ended his losing streak. I think we will see him again in big arenas.
- For many years he has been balancing his fighting and coaching career. What do you think about his leadership and ability to share his experience and knowledge with others?
- Our training camp was excellent. All the professional fighters were at the main session. Everything is basically the same everywhere in the training camp, but some people are good at it and some aren't so good. Alexander explained everything clearly and efficiently. We spent more time wrestling and sparring than we did training drills because all the guys are experienced. We honed our sparring and wrestling skills.
- How much did the change of your opponent before the fight affect your preparation? Is Claudio Ribeiro a tougher opponent than Josh Fremd?
- I had enough time to readjust and study my opponent. The substitution did not affect my preparation. I don't know who is stronger. If I had fought both of them, I would be able to give an opinion, but we'll see.
"Costa will be a real challenge for Chimaev"
- After the fight with Albert Duraev you had a bad streak and he suffered his second defeat. Was this fight a turning point for both of you?
- The fight with Albert was difficult, but a great one for the audience, there was a lot of blood, like everyone likes. I had to be patient in that fight and keep going. Things happen in combat sports. He's probably having a bad time right now, but it'll pass and he'll get back on the winning track. He's a strong and promising guy, he trains with the good guys and in the good places.
- The UFC likes a fighter that puts on outstanding fights and that's where you have an advantage. Do you feel the organization appreciates what you do?
Yes, I want to thank Dana White and his organization for recognizing me and I appreciate their attitude. I will continue to try to put on some spectacular fights to please the public and keep the promoters happy. I like the terms of my new contract, I am happy. Everything is in order.
- There is a new strong player in the UFC middleweight division - Khamzat Chimaev. How much harder will it be for him to use the power and aggression that helped him win at 170 pounds?
- Let's see what he does in Abu Dhabi. He fights one of the leaders of our weight class, Paulo Costa. That's when everyone will see his preparation. I think it will be a great fight with a strong opponent and a good test for Khamzat. He is convinced that there will be no problems, but we'll see.
- You also have the legendary Tony Ferguson on the card. He has lost five straight fights and looks worse and worse with each fight. What brings him back to the Octagon?
Tony Ferguson is just an example of how the league values the athletes who put on beautiful and spectacular fights. All his fights are always exciting, entertaining and bloody. He is a very unconventional fighter. I think the league treats him with respect, as an honored veteran, and gives him the opportunity to make money, and he obviously needs it today. I don't know how he prepared, but I hope he can still prove his worth.
"Poirier and Gaethje will have a dangerous showdown"
- What do you think about Justin Gaethje's chances of winning a rematch with Dustin Poirier in the main event of your tournament?
- I think a rematch is always harder for the guy who wins the first fight. I think it's going to be a very dangerous showdown this time. They both have a lot of punching power, so any hit can decide the outcome of the fight, and I think they have equal chances.
- Do you think it won't go the distance of five rounds?
- Of course I think it will end sooner.
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