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UFC 291: Roman Kopylov vs Claudio Ribeiro - An In-Depth Analysis and Prediction

On July 29, 2023, the Delta Center in Salt Lake City will be the venue of a thrilling middleweight clash at UFC 291. The fight card will showcase a highly anticipated bout between Russian powerhouse Roman Kopylov and the Brazilian punisher, Claudio Ribeiro. Here at KingPin.pro, we provide an extensive analysis of both fighters and our UFC fight prediction. Our state-of-the-art platform aims to assist fans with their UFC picks and parlays using our dedicated iOS and Android app.

When stepping into the Octagon, both fighters carry the weight of their training, strategy, and past performance. Today, we delve deeper into their strengths, weaknesses, and potential game plans to give you a well-rounded understanding of what to expect from this matchup.

Meet the Fighters

Roman Kopylov: The Russian Powerhouse

Roman Kopylov, a formidable figure in the middleweight division, hails from Russia. With an imposing stature of 6' 0" and weighing 185 lbs, Kopylov fights from a southpaw stance. He is a proud representative of team Rati, known for their comprehensive training regimens and top-notch fighters.

Kopylov has etched his name in the sport with a professional record of 10 wins, of which 9 were achieved by knockout, and only 2 losses. His fights against Punahele Soriano and Alessio Di Chirico demonstrated his knack for striking, enabling him to wear down opponents and create opportunities for a finish. Nevertheless, his losses against Albert Duraev and Karl Roberson underlined a possible susceptibility to high-level submission techniques. Kopylov will surely be focusing on improving this aspect as he steps into the Octagon with Ribeiro.

Claudio Ribeiro: The Brazilian Punisher

Claudio Ribeiro, a lethal competitor in the middleweight division, represents Brazil. At 6' 1" and 185 lbs, Ribeiro employs an orthodox stance and trains with the renowned Brazilian Black Thai team, a camp revered for their aggressive, pressure-focused fighters.

Ribeiro boasts an impressive record of 11 wins, with all victories coming via knockout, and 3 losses. He has defeated formidable adversaries like Joseph Holmes and Ivan Valenzuela, showing his knockout prowess. However, his recent loss to Abdul Razak Alhassan could indicate a vulnerability to highly strategic fighters. This is a facet Ribeiro must be mindful of as he squares off against Kopylov.

Style Comparison and Tactical Analysis

Kopylov and Ribeiro both excel in striking, which suggests this fight will be a stand-up battle. However, there are key differences in their strategies. Kopylov's southpaw stance might pose challenges for Ribeiro, who typically fights orthodox opponents. The Russian's excellent footwork, combined with powerful left-hand strikes, could be the key to breaking down Ribeiro's defenses.

Conversely, Ribeiro is an aggressive fighter with heavy hands. His power-oriented style can be a significant threat to Kopylov, who must ensure not to get caught by a potential fight-ending blow. Yet, the Brazilian's somewhat predictable style might give Kopylov the chance to time his counters and capitalize on his opponent's openings.

Prediction