Nikita Krylov wants another UFC Fight Night 208 winner next. Krylov (28-9 MMA, 9-7 UFC) scored a first-round knockout of Alexander Gustafsson this past Saturday at The O2, snapping a two-fight losing skid. Following his win, Krylov called out Volkan Oezdemir (18-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC), who defeated Paul Craig to open up the main card.
“I watch the fight Volkan Oezdemir (had)with Paul Craig, and Oezdemir be so smart in this fight, Krylov told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “And we must fight with Oezdemir maybe two years ago, but he have trouble with his leg, and we not fight, and I want to fight with Oezdemir. I think Abu Dhabi is the best location. I’m ready to fight in Abu Dhabi in October 2022.”
Krylov has fallen short to the likes of former light heavyweight champions Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira early in his UFC career. So to get a marquee finish over a name like multiple-time title challenger Gustafsson was a significant moment for his career.
“So many emotions inside me,” Krylov said. “Really, Gustafsson is the biggest name in my career. It’s the biggest win.”