Costa dissects Kopylov, calls to fight Chimaev

Paulo Costa defeated Roman Kopylov by unanimous decision to lock down just his second win in the last five years Saturday at UFC 318 in New Orleans.

The judges scored the fight 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.

"The Eraser" rebounded from losses to Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker. His only other win in this decade came against Luke Rockhold in 2022, a fight that marked Rockhold's final bout in the UFC. Costa picked up his first ranked victory since beating Yoel Romero in August 2019.

Costa controlled nearly all 15 minutes against Kopylov. He kicked Kopylov's legs and body early and often, keeping his explosive opponent at bay. He hit Kopylov with a straight right hand in the first round to send the Russian's mouthpiece flying, marking the highlight of the affair.

Costa called out Khamzat Chimaev in his postfight interview, renewing a feud that was supposed to result in a fight in 2023. Costa had to withdraw from that matchup because of an infection in his elbow that required surgery.

Chimaev is scheduled to face Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight championship in August at UFC 319.

Costa entered the UFC 318 co-main event ranked 13th, one spot ahead of Kopylov.