This weekend the light-heavyweight division headlines at the UFC Apex for a 5-round main event. Nikita Krylov takes on the rising prospect Ryan Spann. Both men are lethal fighters in their own right, and by the end of this article, you’ll have all the reasons to tune in!
Knockout Power of Krylov and Spann Is Insane!
Spann’s last fight ended shockingly as he flat-lined the former title contender Dominick Reyes at MSG in November. Spann now seemingly tapped into his potential after his loss to Anthony Smith in September 2021. Knocking out Reyes with a jab/hook hybrid was shocking, and it rocked the MMA world. In his post-fight interview, he claimed he didn’t train for all his previous fights and now has finally decided to.
Krylov’s last outing was in Abu Dhabi last October at UFC 280 against Volkan Oezdemir, winning by decision. Before that fight, he knocked out Alexander Gustafsson in the first round at UFC London in July. Knocking out such a widely respected fighter in Gustafsson made every finally take Krylov more seriously after his win, lose, win, lose streak of late. Fifteen wins by knockout are something not to be underestimated.
High Stakes Plays
Smith taking on Johnny Walker in May, logic would suggest that the winner of that fight would fight the winner of this fight to decide who Jamahal Hill will defend his title against first. If Spann were to win this fight and Smith was to win his fight, then it would be interesting to see whether Smith would accept the fight as he’s already beaten, Spann. As for Krylov, he’s already fought and lost against no.2 ranked Magomed Ankalaev, so that fight probably won’t happen. Whoever wins it one fight away from a title shot, all to play for.
Masters of the 8 Limbs, Krylov or Spann?
As said previously, both men are more than capable of knocking one another out. However, between the two of them, they have 27 wins by submission. Having that level of diversity at this level of the sport is so so important and to be able to have that is incredibly impressive. Either man will be able to take it to any place in the fight, striking, clinch or on the ground. Both of them will be comfortable where ever they find themselves.
Experience of the Highest Degree
With a total of 66 fights between them, there’s plenty of experience to go around. Meaning that both men will be more than capable of finishing the fight if they see fit or grinding out a decision if they deem that to be the best route to victory. The high-level experience that these two men possess is nothing short of incredible for us fans at home.
The Proving Grounds
Krylov has proved himself countless times against very talented individuals, but it’s time to see if he can handle this rising prospect on the rise through the ranks. But for Spann to prove himself as worthy of these high-level fights is far more important for him than for anyone else. I mentioned earlier that he claimed to of never trained for his fights, so we’ll see if he turns up and swipes the floor as he has done prior. If not, then maybe he might have been a step too far.
Tune in this weekend for a light-heavyweight banger!
Featured image credits to UFC
