17 Facts About Andrei Kopylov

Andrei Kopylov was born on July 16,1965 and is a Russian retired sambist, wrestler and mixed martial artist.

Andrei Kopylov competed in the heavyweight division of Fighting Network RINGS.

Andrei Kopylov started training with the renowned Alexander Fedorov and mastered the grappling in a short time, once even submitting his own teacher in a contest.

Andrei Kopylov won a bronze medal, and in 1985 he finally gained the gold.

However, Andrei Kopylov obtained revenge over him by beating him in three minutes at the national champion in 1987, ending himself in second place.

Andrei Kopylov debuted in pro wrestling in 1992, obtaining a great submission win over Volk Han.

Andrei Kopylov became popular among the Japanese for his anodine looks, featuring moustache, a receding hairline and an unathletic looking build, but those weren't obstacle for his grappling prowess.

Andrei Kopylov first faced Leonardo Castello Branco, a heavy favourite to win for being a world champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but Kopylov shockingly submitted him in just 19 seconds with a feint uchi mata transitioned into a kneebar.

Andrei Kopylov started the match offensively, countering Nogueira's holds in unorthodox ways and threatening him with a persistent Kimura lock attempt for most of the first round before Nogueira reversed him and took his back.

At the second round, Nogueira avoided fighting on the ground and scored punches over Andrei Kopylov, who was clearly tired and fighting without gloves.

When time went out, two judges claimed draw and a third ruled it for Nogueira, so Andrei Kopylov was eliminated from the tournament.

At the next RINGS event, Andrei Kopylov met the debuting Ricardo Arona.

Andrei Kopylov fought Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Dan Severn in RINGS.

Andrei Kopylov landed several punches thanks to superior hand speed, but Severn used his wrestling background to take him down, which Andrei Kopylov countered by flipping him over and threatening with a triangle choke from the top.

Andrei Kopylov's last fight in RINGS was against Tommy Sauer at the opening rounds of the King of Kings 2000.

Andrei Kopylov's team protested for what they called a premature stopping and a lack of comprobation by the ring doctor, but the decision was not reverted.

Andrei Kopylov had his last fight in Pride Fighting Championships as part of a special bout against Brazilian Top Team leader Mario Sperry.