Roman Kopylov

Roman Kopylov brought a decorated striking pedigree to the UFC, and once he settled in, that pedigree turned into highlights. A former kickboxer and M-1 veteran, the Russian middleweight built his reputation on dynamic Muay Thai: spinning attacks, sharp kicks and the kind of one-shot power that ends nights in spectacular fashion.

After a slow start to his UFC run, Kopylov found his groove with a string of knockouts that banked bonuses and made him a feared finisher at 185. His firefight win over fellow striker Chris Curtis and his ongoing rivalry with the division's contenders showcased a fighter always willing to stand and trade.

With a record around 14-5, Kopylov's ceiling has been defined by step-up tests against names like former title challenger Paulo Costa. But his appeal is never in doubt: he is a flashy, finish-first striker whose willingness to throw the spectacular makes him one of the more entertaining and dangerous men in the middleweight division.