IRVINE, California – Roman Kopylov, despite being one of the least favored contenders, remains determined and ambitious. Kopylov (12-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) is scheduled to kick off the UFC 298 main card, which will be broadcast on pay-per-view, ESPN, and ESPN+. He will face Anthony Hernandez (11-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) in a middleweight bout at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Hernandez is considered a strong favorite with odds of -250, a testament to his reputation. However, Kopylov’s four consecutive knockout wins showcase his confidence.
Kopylov’s confidence is evident, especially considering he accepted the fight against Hernandez on short notice, with only a month’s preparation. The 32-year-old Russian fighter plans to defeat Hernandez and then proceed to challenge former champion Sean Strickland. While Kopylov is uncertain if current champion Dricus du Plessis will still hold the title by then, he believes a victory against Strickland could position him as a new title contender. Kopylov believes that a win against Hernandez will force Strickland to view him in a different light, making their potential matchup more enticing for both fighters and the fans.
To watch Kopylov’s full media day interview, click on the video above.
According to the Source mmajunkie.usatoday.com