Prediction for the fight Roman Kopylov vs Caesar Almeida

At UFC 302, which will take place on June 2, Roman Kopylov and Cesar Almeida will meet in the Octagon to answer the question: “What is more effective in MMA: hand-to-hand combat or kickboxing?” Both are experienced, have an impressive background in their disciplines and very rarely bring fights to decisions. At the very least, fireworks are definitely in store for the spectators, but we’ll figure out which of the guys has the best chance of triumph on the appointed evening.

• Roman Kopylov vs Caesar Almeida;
• Roman Kopylov;
• Caesar Almeida;
• Comparative analysis;
• Game Totals Prediction.

Roman Kopylov vs Caesar Almeida

Roman Kopylov

Roman Yuryevich succeeded in hand-to-hand combat, where he first conquered Russian-level venues, becoming the national champion and Russian Cup winner, and then went to Asia, Europe and the world, becoming the best everywhere, and in the world - three times. Having decided to switch to MMA, he took the AMC Fight Nights belt, and at the very start of his career - the WCSA Combat League.

Strengths

Kopylov demonstrates constant progress in his skills, this is especially noticeable in striking techniques. His body kicks and low kicks give way to high kicks, and then combos with both hands. Moreover, he is left-handed, which makes it much more difficult to read his attacks. Roman moves a lot, constantly changes angles and, after pulling the opposition towards himself, powerfully counterattacks, adding to the statistics with bright finishes. Excellent takedown defense and pretty good offensive wrestling (at the UFC Top 15 level, at least) allow him to beat basic strikers.

Weaknesses

Despite the game plans tied to working as number two, the total pressure and loss of control over the operational space in the octagon, Kopylov does not tolerate it. It is difficult for him to open up in such conditions, which is why the effectiveness of his attacks is greatly reduced. And, frankly speaking, he has never had the opportunity to fight with high-level partners.

The current form and readiness of the fighter

Roman is 33 years old, his record over the past year and a half is 4-1, since in his last performance he lost to Anthony Hernandez. Before that, Kopylov confidently defeated Josh Fremd, Claudio Ribeiro and Punaele Soriano, adding to the statistics with finishes and earning a couple of bonuses from the UFC. The fighter looks good, he covers distances quite adequately in a couple of rounds at high speeds, but with defense at the zero level, he definitely has difficulties. However, Roman is good at imposing his pace, and there is no doubt about his readiness to return to the winning path.

Caesar Almeida

The Brazilian is a real kickboxing star, as he managed to win a number of prestigious titles and titles. He is a Supercombat World Light Heavyweight Champion, WGP International Champion, WAKO Pro Champion, WGP Heavyweight Champion, Brazilian National Championship winner, and a former Glory fighter. As a pro, Caesar fought 57 fights, losing only 8 of them, and fought against Alex Pereira three times. Having signed up for the UFC, I earned a bonus in my first fight.

Strengths

Almeida is great in the stand up, not only because of his technique, but also because of the power he possesses. From a long distance, the fighter lands the hardest kicks on his opponents, often works on the body, and as soon as he gets close, he immediately uses his elbows. In the clinch, Caesar is really dangerous, but he is also not bad in finishing on the ground. High accuracy, good defense and a high level of training allowed him to finish 80% of fights ahead of schedule.

Weaknesses

So far, no one has tested Almeida on the ground with a grueling fight over several rounds, since in such a scenario, it would be possible to evaluate not only his endurance, but also his ability to adapt during the match. Actually, the lack of high-level opposition in MMA and shortcomings in wrestling are the only things that Caesar’s future rivals can be guided by.

The current form and readiness of the fighter

The fighter is 36 years old and has a perfect record of 5-0 in MMA and 1-0 in the UFC. At the Candidates Series, Almeida spent 3 rounds with Lucas Fernando, and in the major league, he demolished the “cabin” of Dylan Budka. In general terms, we have before us a very experienced striker who is gradually entering the world of mixed martial arts, from whom we can no longer expect serious progress. Due to his age, Caesar will definitely not start fighting, but he will use his main advantages wisely, so there is no doubt about his readiness to compete, at least with basic strikers.

Comparative analysis

In terms of anthropometry, parity can be established between the fighters: Almeida is slightly taller, but inferior to Kopylov in arm span. If we talk about the stance, then Roman is most dangerous at a medium-long distance, from where he can discharge kicks, or get closer, punch a two-three and leave again. But Caesar is much more versatile in this regard, because throwing kicks, he is able to enter the clinch and crush the opponent’s face with elbows or short hooks.

It’s just that the Brazilian doesn’t have the option of a takedown and control on the ground, and Kopylov can give him such a surprise if he prepares the transfer competently and is not too straightforward. In fact, if Roman cannot confidently block kicks to the body and neutralize Caesar’s pressure, then he will have no other options except entering the ground - this is an opportunity to sour and slow down his counterpart in order to further develop success on his hands.

Both have enough power, and it is unlikely that we should expect long tactical analyzes and analysis here - if not Kopylov, then Almeida will do his job, and it is unlikely that we will see the 3rd round at all, at least its ending Total less (2.5) by rounds. In terms of skills, Roman is more versatile, but if he were a wrestler, one would hope for his horizontal success, but no, he himself is good at knocking people out with blows, so the advantage is on the side of a more experienced kicker from the favelas ( 2.19).

Roman Kopylov vs Caesar Almeida Prediction

This is one of those cases where the underdog looks even a little more intimidating than the favorite. A stately, powerful, hardened kicker, with monstrous blows, may well force Kopylov to panic and make mistakes. In general, if we are not talking about favorites and outsiders, then looking at the record of both, it is very difficult to believe that this story will be long.

Not in the first, but in the second round, someone will find their chance and give a knockout, so betting on the total rounds is most appropriate here. Risk lovers can take Total less (1.5) on completed rounds with odds of 1.99, but Total less (2.5) still looks more reliable. Install the 1xbet app and place a bet on the favorite!

Prediction: Total less (2.5) by round