LONDON – Nikita Krylov hopes he gets a better version of Alexander Gustafsson at UFC Fight Night 208 than what the former three-time title challenger has offered in recent outings.
Gustafsson (18-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC) enters Saturday’s card, which takes place at The O2 and streams on ESPN+, on a three-fight losing skid and with no wins on his record in more than five years. It’s been a tough run for the Swede – who has come close to holding UFC gold on multiple occasions – but he has a chance to turn things around.
Krylov (26-9 MMA, 8-7 UFC) knows there’s a lot riding on this fight for Gustafsson, and he hopes his upcoming opponent has left no stone unturned in preparation. A peak version of Gustafsson should be able to cause a lot of problems for his opposition, and Krylov is hopeful that’s what happens.
“It’s a really big name for my career,” Krylov told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 208 media day. “When I only started to train 10 years ago, he fight with Jon Jones. He have really great fight. Now I think it’s biggest name in my career. His last fight not good, but I think he come back and want to show good fight. I’m ready to watch Alex in his best condition and I want to fight with best Alex.”
Krylov, 30, enters UFC Fight Night 208 in need of a win, as well. He’s dropped back-to-back fights and three of his past four overall, including a first-round submission defeat to Paul Craig at UFC Fight Night 204 in March.
It was important for Krylov to get a quick turnaround for this event, and he sees Gustafsson as a matchup where he can thrive.
“(The losses are) not good for me,” Krylov said. “I have three fights in three years. I have some trouble with my body. … Now I feel my body is healthy. I have really good condition, great camp.
“I think I have many ways for the win. If I can show my game plan I think it will all be good. He’s a good striker. My background is striking, too, and I think it will be a great fight for the fans.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 208.
Nikita Krylov wants Alexander Gustafsson ‘in his best condition’ at UFC Fight Night 208
