UFC Fight Night tips: Ryan Spann has what it takes to knockout Nikita Krylov
Nikita Krylov against Ryan Spann promises to be a great fight for as long as it lasts, considering less than 15% of their total fights have gone the distance.
Chances are you will need to stay in your seat for this one.
Krylov has been a perennial contender since his return to the UFC in 2018, facing everyone from former champions such as Glover Teixeira and Jan Blachowicz to contenders from other eras such as Alexander Gustafsson and Volkan Oezdemir.
Spann looks as if he is finally putting everything together after losses to Anthony Smith and Johnny Walker.
The American rebounded with a career best performance in his first round knockout victory over Dominic Reyes last November.
With the title picture at light heavyweight being incredibly unclear - as champion Jamahal Hill is due to face Jiri Prochazka at some point this year and Magomed Ankalaev waiting in the wings as well - whoever wins here will likely need to fight twice more this year to keep the attention on them and give them the best chance at reaching that title shot.
This fight could go a number of ways. Krylov is a kill or be killed fighter who has the skills to knock you out or submit you whilst being totally susceptible to the same moves he throws.
Spann is a powerful knockout artist but has fallen foul to his opponents ground game more than once.
My prediction is the knockout power of Spann will carry through and take this one, but only just.
Key Stat
Spann's last submission win was in 2019, despite having 12 wins by submission.
Suggested Bet
Ryan Spann to win by KO/TKO