LAS VEGAS – Nikita Krylov’s return to the cage will be more than just another fight in his lengthy career.
The veteran UFC light heavyweight competes this Saturday against Ryan Spann at UFC Fight Night 220, which takes place at the UFC Apex and streams on ESPN+. This 205-pound matchup serves as the main event of the card, something Krylov (29-9 MMA, 10-7 UFC) is very excited and proud about being his first headlining role in the company.
“It’s a big deal for me,” Krylov told reporters at the UFC Fight Night 220 media day on Wednesday. “It’s the first main event for me. I feel myself great. I’ve had a great camp, good acclimatization, and now I just wait for Saturday.”
For Krylov, it’s more than just having his face on the poster and being able to say he fought main event of a UFC card. This headlining bout against Spann (21-7 MMA, 7-2 UFC) is a sign of progression for Krylov.
“It means that I’m progressing, that I’m moving forward, and I’m not just staying in one place,” Krylov explained. “It means the organization is seeing what I’m doing and believes in me and trust me to main event in such an important organization, so I think it’s great. I feel great about it.”
As far as the opponent, Krylov is also happy to be fighting someone like Spann. Although he admits the chance to be the top billing of a card was deal maker for this fight.
“I want fights with guys who are higher than me in the rankings because I want contender fights, but when my manager sent me, ‘I have main event for Ryan Spann,’ that’s first for me, so listen it’s a main event, so it’s good,” Krylov said. “That’s why Spann is Ok. He’s a tough guy, interesting fight.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 220.
Nikita Krylov validated by main event spot at UFC Fight Night 220: ‘It means that I’m progressing’
