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#3 Nikita Krylov is back
A cult hero for a portion of the online MMA fanbase – who nicknamed him ‘Nikki Thrills’ – by the time his UFC career abruptly ended in 2016, Nikita Krylov was actually looking like a genuine contender at 205lbs. His once-sloppy skillset had been sharpened to the hilt and prior to his submission loss to fellow up-and-comer Misha Cirkunov, the Ukrainian fighter had reeled off 5 straight wins, all by KO or submission.
Unfortunately for fans of ‘The Miner’, Krylov chose to leave the UFC following the Cirkunov loss and sign with Russian promotion Fight Nights Global. His explanation was that he didn’t want to travel away from his family for so long, and felt like he could gain more experience against some weaker opponents outside of the UFC. Well, he’s now done that – winning four in a row – and unsurprisingly he’s now back.
The return of Krylov could help to energise one of the UFC’s thinnest divisions, but he won’t have it easy upon his return. Opponent Jan Blachowicz has looked like one of the most improved fighters on the UFC roster of late, and he’s bringing a 3-fight win streak to Moscow. Given his last fight was an unbelievable brawl with Jimi Manuwa, and Krylov’s risk-taking style, expect fireworks regardless of the winner here.
