Light heavyweight contender Jan Blachowicz (22-7, 5 KOs, 8 SUBs) will welcome back prospect Nikita Krylov (24-5, 10 KOs, 14 SUBs) at UFC Fight Night 136 on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at the Olimpiysky Arena in Moscow, Russia. The card airs live on UFC Fight Pass at 2pm ET.
One of the world’s best light heavyweight prospects makes his return to the UFC this Saturday. Ukraine’s Nikita Krylov, who went 6-3 inside the octagon from 2013-2016, will kick off his second stint with a matchup against No. 4 Jan Blachowicz. The fact that Krylov is jumping straight from the smaller FNG promotion into a matchup with a top-5 contender speaks to his success since exiting the UFC after a loss to Misha Cirkunov.
Krylov has racked up a 4-0 record outside the octagon, finishing each of his opponents inside two rounds. Particularly notable is a win over former Bellator champion Emanuel Newton, who Krylov knocked out in just 43 seconds with a crushing knee. Most recently, the 26-year old KO’d UFC castoff Fabio Maldonado.
Blachowicz has quietly climbed into contender status on the strength of a three fight win streak. Though a 1-4 slide from 2015-2017 seemed to cap his potential as a midtier 205er, victories over Jared Cannonier and Jimi Manuwa suggest that the Polish striker has leveled up in recent years. He certainly looked like a dangerous striker against a knockout artist in Manuwa.
Still, Blachowicz is nobody’s idea of a dominant light heavyweight, so there’s a great chance that Krylov vaults into the top 5 right away this Saturday. The question is how you should bet this fight. Let’s look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break it down.
UFC Fight Night 136 Betting at BookMaker.eu
Jan Blachowicz -114
Nikita Krylov -116
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: +160 / -210
Striking Stats
Significant strikes landed per minute: Blachowicz 3.79 / Krylov 6.55
Accuracy: Blachowicz 49.94% / Krylov 60.96%
Significant strikes absorbed per minute: Blachowicz 3.17 / Krylov 2.87
Defense: Blachowicz 52.96% / Krylov 45.33%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Blachowicz 1.57 / Krylov 0.37
Takedown accuracy: Blachowicz 52.17% / Krylov 16.67%
Takedowns defended: Blachowicz 57.69% / Krylov 42.11%
Submission average: Blachowicz 0.26 / Krylov 1.84
Bet on Blachowicz vs. Krylov Odds
Both men appear to be hitting their grooves right now. Though Blachowicz is nearly 10 years older than his opponent, he’s found a winning formula with an effective quick hit style based on his excellent kickboxing technique. Against a one-punch killer in Manuwa, Blachowicz landed combinations from the midrange, floating just out of distance with excellent footwork. Against an explosive athlete in Cannonier, Blachowicz was faster to the punch for three rounds.
Though Blachowicz falters against strong wrestlers, he will not have to worry about Krylov taking him down. The Ukrainian is a natural for finding submissions in scrambles, but doesn’t have the technical ability to consistently force opponents to the mat. On the feet, Krylov has solid karate skills, but his boxing needs a lot of work. One thing to note is that his power has evolved, and so has ability to land fight-ending strikes.
There is a lot to worry about for Blachowicz here, from Krylov’s slick submissions to his developing knockout ability. But the Pole is unquestionably the more refined fighter, settling into a rhythm while Krylov relies more on creating moments. This should be a standup affair, and an unpredictable one at that.
UFC Fight Night 136 Pick: Blachowicz to win at -114
Though Blachowicz isn’t really a knockout nor submission threat, he’s become a very effective points-based fighter. In fact, he’s never been finished inside the octagon, despite facing guys like Alexander Gustafsson and Manuwa. That’s a problem for somebody who relies on opportunistic moments like Krylov. Blachowicz takes the win here. We also see this going this distance, since the Pole isn’t really a consistent finisher.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC Fight Night 136 takes place on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at the Olimpiysky Arena in Moscow, Russia. The card airs live on UFC Fight Pass at 2pm ET.
