UFC 322 – Roman Kopylov vs Gregory Rodrigues: Preview & Betting Tips
The UFC 322 undercard features a middleweight clash with serious violence potential as technical striker Roman Kopylov takes on explosive finisher Gregory Rodrigues.
Kopylov (14-4) has quietly developed into one of the division’s cleanest and most polished strikers. His southpaw stance, sharp footwork, and fluid kickboxing combinations make him dangerous from the opening bell.
Rodrigues (17-6) is one of the most entertaining fighters in the middleweight division and one of the most unpredictable. He’s a dangerous blend of brute power, aggressive striking, and elite jiu-jitsu skills.
Tale of the Tape
Roman Kopylov – Odds 2.50 (Sky Bet)
Record: 14-4
Age: 33
Height: 6ft
Reach: 75”
Weight: Middleweight
Stance: Southpaw
Gregory Rodrigues – Odds 1.53 (Sky Bet)
Record: 17-6
Age: 33
Height: 6ft3
Reach: 75”
Weight: Middleweight
Stance: Orthodox
Roman Kopylov vs Gregory Rodrigues: Analysis
Kopylov does an excellent job disguising his left body kick behind feints, probes, and stance shifts. Once it lands consistently, opponents often begin to slow or crumble. He also carries deceptive power in his hands, especially on counters, and rarely wastes energy on big swings.
The main question for Kopylov in this matchup is durability and grappling defence. While he has improved his takedown awareness and shown better scrambling ability, he has struggled when stuck on his back or in extended clinch sequences against physically strong grapplers. Rodrigues can certainly test those areas.
Rodrigues marches forward behind heavy combinations, wide power hooks, and punishing uppercuts. When he corners opponents, he can unleash barrages that overwhelm less durable fighters. On the ground, his top game is suffocating; his transitions are smooth, and he attacks submissions with both patience and explosiveness.
But with his strengths come notable vulnerabilities. Rodrigues’ defence is questionable, his willingness to trade in the pocket has resulted in being rocked or dropped multiple times.
Kopylov vs Rodrigues: Prediction & Betting Tips
If Kopylov keeps the fight long and picks Rodrigues apart, he gains a considerable advantage. If Rodrigues turns this into a brawl, his raw power and grappling threats can take over.
The most probable way this plays out is Rodrigues storming forward early, creating wild exchanges while Kopylov tries to stay composed and pick him off. Eventually, Rodrigues’ defensive lapses and Kopylov’s precision should see the Russian land something big.
I’m taking Roman Kopylov moneyline at odds of 2.50 (Sky Bet) because of his ability to fight at range and counter effectively with his jab and body kicks.
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