Skip to main content
UFC

‘Horrible Stoppage’ – Fans React As Roman Kopylov Head Kicks Chris Curtis For Controversial Buzzer-Beater At UFC Vegas 101

ByThomas AlbanoMixed Martial Arts Journalist

The first major fight controversy of 2025 has taken place at UFC Vegas 101 — the promotion’s first card of the year. And, of course, it had to involve Chris Curtis.

In a jaw-dropping finish, “Action Man” was stopped by Roman Kopylov with just one second remaining in the contest.

Both athletes brought fire in their striking during the first round. The Russian seemed to have the upper hand, but Curtis appeared to be gaining momentum as time went on.

That stretched into the second, as the American continued his production, having landed over 100 significant strikes on his foe within the fight’s first 10 minutes.

Kopylov was not deterred and had his own surge of momentum in the third round. But just as everything seemed to be wrapped up with the judges to present the scores, the Russian landed a head kick that badly rocked Curtis.

Referee Marc Smith, with just one second remaining in the bout, stepped in and waved off the fight, giving Kopylov a victory via finish.

Loading tweet...

Roman Kopylov Controversially Finishes Chris Curtis With One Second Left At UFC Vegas 101

Loading tweet...

Loading tweet...

Loading tweet...

Loading tweet...

Loading tweet...

Loading tweet...

Loading tweet...

Loading tweet...

Loading tweet...

Kopylov has now won back-to-back fights and six of his last seven.

Curtis, meanwhile, has won just one of his last five fights.

Enjoyed this article? Send Thomas Albano a tip.
UNBELIEVABLE KNOCKOUT | Saw Min Min 🇲🇲 vs. Josh Trowbridge 🇦🇺 | Muay Thai Full Fight

UNBELIEVABLE KNOCKOUT | Saw Min Min 🇲🇲 vs. Josh Trowbridge 🇦🇺 | Muay Thai Full Fight

ONE Championship43 minutes ago

Watch Next

Jaosuayai Is Pure ENTERTAINMENT ✨👊 Muay Thai Highlights
Jaosuayai Is Pure ENTERTAINMENT ✨👊 Muay Thai Highlights
ONE Championship7 hours ago
UFC Vegas 118: Muhammad vs. Bonfim official weigh-in live stream | Fri. 12 p.m. ET
UFC Vegas 118: Muhammad vs. Bonfim official weigh-in live stream | Fri. 12 p.m. ET
MMA Junkie12 hours ago
POLICE CONFRONT Rampage Jackson! *FOOTAGE* Alex Pereira SENDS MESSAGE to Ciryl Gane! UFC 329
POLICE CONFRONT Rampage Jackson! *FOOTAGE* Alex Pereira SENDS MESSAGE to Ciryl Gane! UFC 329
Full Mount MMA15 hours ago
Nobody Wanted This Fight With Gable
Nobody Wanted This Fight With Gable
Chael Sonnen16 hours ago
Michael Chandler: Conor McGregor and I will fight 'in the UFC or not' | UFC White House
Michael Chandler: Conor McGregor and I will fight 'in the UFC or not' | UFC White House
MMA Junkie16 hours ago
Josh Hokit eyes Alex Pereira after UFC White House: 'He's never faced a guy like me'
Josh Hokit eyes Alex Pereira after UFC White House: 'He's never faced a guy like me'
MMA Junkie18 hours ago
Zuffa Boxing 07: Ceremonial Weigh-In
Zuffa Boxing 07: Ceremonial Weigh-In
UFC18 hours ago
BEST BETS for UFC Vegas 118 & Oktagon 89 | The Sheehan Show
BEST BETS for UFC Vegas 118 & Oktagon 89 | The Sheehan Show
Sherdog18 hours ago
DRAMA IN BRUSSELS!! | Donegi Abena v Joe Schilling | Full Fight | PFL Brussels
DRAMA IN BRUSSELS!! | Donegi Abena v Joe Schilling | Full Fight | PFL Brussels
PFL MMA18 hours ago
Alex Pereira Is Already Looking Past Tom
Alex Pereira Is Already Looking Past Tom
Chael Sonnen18 hours ago
View All Videos