UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs Gane bears witness to a fiery co-main event between light heavyweights look to make a splash.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

Nikita Krylov puts his #8 ranking on the line against Magomed Ankalaev, who is ranked #11. A win for the 14-1 prospect in Ankalaev will mean a bump in the rankings and a quick shot at gold.

Jan Blachowicz puts his light heavyweight belt on the line against Israel Adesanya, who is stepping up in weight. This move-up is sure to cause a log jam for the other 250-pound contenders who are looking to chase gold.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, it also gives the winner of Krylov vs Ankalaev sufficient time to possibly contest for a championship in 2022.

UFC light heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs Magomed Ankalaev

‘The Minner’ is one of the most exciting fighters on the roster, and his resume is a testament to that fact. 32 out of his 34 professional fights ended in a finish either in his favor or in the form of a stoppage for his opponent. He’s 2-2 in his last 4 UFC outings and is coming off a decision win over Johnny Walker in March.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nikita Krylov is proficient on the ground, to say the least, and he comes in with a 56% submission win ratio on his record. Once the fight hits the canvas, Krylov is quick to scramble in the pocket and mount his offensive jiu-jitsu.

However, his entries for the takedown will have to be under observation when facing an explosive opponent. Magomed Ankalaev brings in a balanced mix of haste and controlled offense as seen in his recent outings.

ADVERTISEMENT

He made his presence in the division known by flatlining rival Ion Cutelaba in his last outing. He’s on a 5-fight win streak and has only fallen to Paul Craig via submission thus far in his career.

Getty

Magomed Ankalaev is looked at as a bonafide contender who can challenge for a championship. Krylov is a step up in competition and will serve as a good litmus test for his ceiling.

ADVERTISEMENT

With the explosiveness he possesses, Magomed Ankalaev will be confident of his skills to put away ‘The Minner’

Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev to claim a first-round TKO victory.

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

Written by

author-image

Darryl Pinto

2,138 Articles

Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer and editor at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his Sport Business Management degree out of Humber College, Canada and has completed nearly 3 years with the organization. He has also served as the Head of Content for the MLB department. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live. Having competed in MMA at a collegiate level, he consciously attempts to integrate an athlete's breakdown of MMA techniques like striking, defense, and grappling into his penmanship of the sport as he seeks to give the reader a well-rounded point of view. Before becoming the lead MMA writer, Darryl has also written articles for the NFL and boxing divisions. He began watching UFC 11 years ago at UFC 117 when Chael Sonnen went to war against Anderson Silva.

Know more