In the 70th installment of UFC Fight Night at the APEX, light heavyweights Nikita Krylov and Ryan Spann will be headlining the event to see who gets to step closer to that title shot at 205 pounds. With a new king at the top of the division, the light heavyweight landscape seems wide open for anybody to take the crown.
Read further for a closer look at this main event bout taking place with the UFC this weekend. Let’s break down this matchup with a betting analysis and preview that leads to the official Krylov vs Spann prediction.
Nikita Krylov vs. Ryan Spann Information
Nikita Krylov vs Ryan Spann
Location: UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Date and Time: February 25, 2023, 7:00 PM ET.
How to Watch: ESPN+
Nikita Krylov vs. Ryan Spann Last Fight Record
Krylov is riding the momentum of back-to-back wins, including an impressive first-round KO over Alexander Gustafsson last year.
Spann has jumped onto the scene after an incredible first-round KO over former multiple-time title challenger Dominick Reyes in November.
Nikita Krylov vs. Ryan Spann Betting Analysis
Nikita Krylov Facts to Know
The Ukrainian martial artist has had plenty of fights in his career (38) and has proven he belongs in the top 10 of this division. Krylov has two separate stints in the UFC, dating from 2013-2016 and then 2018-present. He is 10-7 inside the UFC octagon.
Krylov started his professional career going 15-2, with every single fight being finished in the first round. Since he has been in the UFC, Krylov has an average fight time of 7:07. In that time; he averages 4.45 significant strikes landed per minute while only absorbing 2.50.
On top of his solid striking numbers, Krylov has put together an impressive 2.11 takedowns scored per 15 minutes and attempts at 1.2 submissions in that time. Even though those grappling stats are something to take note of, I have a feeling this fight won’t be spent on the ground.
Ryan Spann Facts to Know
Spann is probably the most physically imposing athlete in the light heavyweight division, which is saying something. With an impressive 12 career submission victories, you would think his key to victory for this weekend would be dragging Krylov down to the ground; but Spann has plenty of power that will be present in the octagon.
The Texan fighter has an average fight time of 4:39 in the UFC, having the same kind of fight style as Krylov of wanting to get it over with as soon as possible. Spann averages an even 3.42 strikes landed and absorbed per minute while being in the UFC.
As stated before, Spann has a sneaky submission game in that he uses his long limbs to finish fights. He averages 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes in the octagon. From being relatively unknown, Spann has proven he is must-see television every time he appears on the UFC schedule.
Updates
No injuries were reported to the NSAC.
Nikita Krylov vs. Ryan Spann Betting Preview
UFC odds have Krylov as the -175 betting favorite heading into this weekend’s main event. Spann has been the underdog in the last six times lines have been posted for an upcoming fight of his. Both of these men are no strangers in the position they are currently in for the betting lines.
The most interesting betting line for this matchup has to be the over/under rounds set at 1.5. For a 5-round main event, 1.5 rounds don’t seem like much to reach, but both these men like to get the job done fast. When there are two humans locked in the cage with that kind of power, a quick finish is bound to happen.
The oddsmakers are so set on this fight being finished early that they have Spann at +1200 odds to win by a decision. That almost seems like some kind of prank that a top 10 fighter isn’t supposed to win a decision against someone he can beat.
On a more technical level, both of these guys bring many things to the table. They have similar weapons, though. Krylov is a big man that is used to being physically stronger than his opponent. This Saturday will be something he really isn’t used to when Spann steps into the cage as the bigger man.
It’s a big ask to make a correct Krylov vs Spann prediction. To be honest, this fight could easily be at pick ’em odds and be a 50/50 fight. The experience of Krylov is what makes a lot of experts lean towards the Ukrainian this weekend.
Nikita Krylov vs. Ryan Spann Betting Prediction
While knowing how tough UFC predictions are to make when there are two fighters of this level facing off in the octagon, we have a confident pick.
The final Krylov vs Spann prediction for UFC Vegas 70 is that Spann will get his hand raised. The over 1.5 rounds look very nice as well at plus-odds.
Both Krylov and Spann will have too much respect for each other’s power in the first round, and it will be a feeling-out process. A lot of feinting in the center of the octagon, and then there will be a few clinch exchanges up against the fence.
The over 1.5 rounds cashes big time, as well as Spann winning. He has way too much power, and he is riding a lot of confidence and momentum going into this one.
Look for a spectacular performance, probably a 3rd round finish, that puts Spann into a top 5 fight.
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