Old Testament's Rubber Returns, Dominates Kopylov, and Triumphs at UFC 318

Determined to return to the path of victory, Paulo borrachinha lived up to his promise and returned as an athlete of the 'old testament'. Moving forward and delivering forceful blows, the Brazilian frustrated Roman Kopylov in the fight and undermined his opponent's leg, body, and head for 15 minutes. At the end of the fight, the athlete triumphed by unanimous decision.

Without a win since 2022, Borrachinha returned to winning ways. In an interview while still in the octagon, the fighter asked for the opportunity to face Khamzat Shimaev and reinforced his rivalry with the Emirati after the athlete sent a message to his wife. According to the Minas Gerais native, the 'Wolf' will be pursued in the Ultimate.

Paulo borrachinha knocked down Roman Kopylov with a punch. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufcindia

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Currently ranked 14th in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg), Kopylov didn't live up to his status as the bookmakers' favorite and suffered another defeat after more than a year. Unable to respond to Borrachinha's attacks, the athlete was unable to use his powerful kicks.

Borrachinha wins again in 'Old Testament' style

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Patrício Pitbull puts up a lukewarm fight and defeats Dan Ige, but is booed by the crowd at UFC 318

FIGHT VIDEO: Watch the best moments of Borrachinha vs. Kopylov at UFC 318

Borrachinha started the fight by rushing Kopylov to surprise the Russian with his aggression. Aware of the distance, the Brazilian relied on feints and leg kicks. Hearing requests to use crosses, Paulo obeyed his coaches, despite lacking much impact due to the Russian's movement and defense. In the final seconds of the first round, Borrachinha landed a blow that knocked Kopylov down and delivered a hard sequence of strikes as the opponent tried to get up. Having recovered, Roman resisted until the bell, already standing.

In the second round, Paulo began mixing it up with kicks to his opponent's waistline and leg. With a serious and focused expression, the athlete constantly moved forward, trying to smother Kopylov with close-range strikes. Applying intense pressure to the cage, the Brazilian rocked his opponent with sharp boxing, reminding him of the old-school athlete he vowed to return to. Aiming for the waistline from the start, Borrachinha landed two front kicks to his opponent's stomach and ended the round landing more strikes.

In the final round, Kopylov began to move forward, trying to recover lost points. Despite his intent, the Russian was unsuccessful in landing any significant blows on the well-defended Borrachinha. Cornered against the cage, the Brazilian was unable to escape the pressure and began to taunt his opponent while moving his head. Despite receiving a direct punch, Paulo remained in the fight and managed to return to the center of the octagon.

Paulo borrachinha in victory over Roman Kopylov. Photo: Reproduction/UFC News

Daniel Rodriguez breaks the bank and defeats Holland in an electrifying battle

Daniel Rodriguez in victory over Kevin holland at UFC 318. Photo: Reproduction/UFC News

Protagonists of a violent battle in the octagon, Daniel Rodriguez e Kevin holland They sent the crowd into a frenzy with their commitment in a 15-minute fight filled with twists and turns. Winner of the first and second rounds, D-Rod nearly let victory slip away in the final round after a devastating sequence of strikes from his rival. Determined not to give up, the veteran overcame the chaos and managed to reach the judges' decision.

A major underdog among bookmakers, Daniel achieved his third consecutive victory and now hopes to close in on the top 15 in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg). At 38 years old, the athlete surprised with his great resilience and thwarted the plans of the organization's prospect.

On the other hand, Holland was prevented from achieving his third consecutive victory and now moves away from the dream opportunity of fighting for the title. The fighter had not been defeated since January, when he was submitted by Ridder's Reinier still in the first round.

UFC 318 results

MAIN CARD (23pm Brasília time)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Max Holloway derrotou Dustin poirier by unanimous decision of the judges (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) – fight for the BMF belt

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Paulo borrachinha derrotou Roman Kopylov in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Daniel Rodriguez derrotou Kevin holland in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Patricio pitbull defeat Dan Ige in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Michael Johnson derrotou Daniel Zellhuber in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD (19:15 p.m. Brasília time)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Vinicius LokDog derrotou Kyler Phillips by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Brendan allen derrotou Marvin vettori by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Nikolay Veretennikov derrotou Francis Meadow by split decision of the judges (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Ateba Gautier defeated Robert Valentine by technical knockout (punches) at 1min10sec of R1

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Islam Dulatov defeated Adam Fugitt by knockout (punches) at 4min06sec of R1

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Jimmy crute derrotou Marcin Prachnio by submission (armbar) at 4m42sec of R1

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Ryan spann derrotou Lukasz Brzeski by submission (guillotine) at 2m47sec of R1

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Bruno Hulk defeated Jackson McVey by submission (armbar) at 3:35 of R1

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Carli Judice derrotou Nicole Caliari by technical knockout at 1:03. from R3