A crucial middleweight matchup opens the UFC 332 main card as rising prospect Ateba Gautier takes on veteran knockout artist Roman Kopylov. Gautier enters the fight unbeaten in the UFC and riding a five-fight winning streak, while Kopylov is looking to build momentum after rebounding from consecutive losses to ranked opposition. The bout represents the toughest test of Gautier’s UFC career to date.
Ateba Gautier
Last 3 Bouts
Win. Ozzy Diaz — TKO (Punches)
Win. Andrey Pulyaev — Unanimous Decision
Win. Tre’ston Vines — TKO (Elbows)
Strengths
Exceptional knockout power
Aggressive pressure fighting
Athleticism and explosiveness
81-inch reach advantage
Strong finishing instincts
Undefeated UFC record
Ability to hurt opponents early in fights
Excellent physical tools for the division
Weaknesses
Limited experience against ranked opponents
Relatively untested in deep waters
Still developing his overall MMA game
Has relied heavily on physical advantages
Fewer high-level UFC fights than Kopylov
Can become predictable when hunting finishes
Keys to Victory
Start fast and establish pressure
Use his reach advantage
Attack before Kopylov settles into rhythm
Force exchanges in the pocket
Mix in occasional wrestling threats
Avoid allowing Kopylov to dictate range
Look to capitalize on early opportunities
Roman Kopylov
Last 3 Bouts
Win. Marco Tulio — Unanimous Decision
Lose. Gregory Rodrigues — Unanimous Decision
Lose. Paulo Costa — Unanimous Decision
Strengths
High-level striking technique
Dangerous southpaw attack
Excellent body and leg kicks
Considerable UFC experience
Proven durability
Strong fight IQ
Effective distance management
Twelve career knockout victories
Weaknesses
Can struggle against explosive athletes
Has lost two of his last three fights
Often starts slowly
Less physical than Gautier
Vulnerable when pressured backward
Has difficulty against powerful pressure fighters
Keys to Victory
Survive the early storm
Attack Gautier’s legs and body
Use movement and angles
Force the fight into later rounds
Make Gautier work at range
Capitalize on experience advantage
Avoid getting trapped against the cage
Odds
Roman Kopylov +205
Ateba Gautier -250
