Roman Kopylov explains why UFC Fight Night 249 win over Chris Curtis wasn't controversial
LAS VEGAS – Roman Kopylov doesn’t really get all the hubbub.
While opponent Chris Curtis and many viewers didn’t agree with Mark Smith’s stoppage of their fight Saturday at UFC Fight Night 249, Kopylov (13-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) doesn’t see the ending as all that controversial.
“I think that everything was fair,” Kopylov told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Saturday. “I think the referee did his job. I think that kick was enough. He fell to the canvas. There was no reason to finish him. I think he did the job.”
While he rejected the notion the stoppage was erroneous, Kopylov indicated he’d be happy to run it back with Curtis (31-12 MMA, 5-4 UFC) to rid any doubt.
“I think everything was according to the rules,” Kopylov said. “I got him. He fell. Technically, I could’ve jumped on him and finished him but I didn’t want to do that. I didn’t want to hurt him. There was no reason for me to give him more damage. If there’s questions about this fight, I’m happy to rematch.”
Whether it’s Curtis or someone else, Kopylov hopes to return again sometime in the second quarter of the year after his routine medical suspension expires.
“I was given by the doctor a suspension for 45 (days) and 30 (days of no contact), so I have to wait for the stitches and all that stuff,” Kopylov said. “But other than that, nothing is hurt. Nothing is aching. April, May would be a great time to come back.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 249.