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NIKITA KRYLOV VS ALEXANDER GUSTAFSSON FACTS
When is UFC London? Sunday 23rd July, 2022 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC London? The O2 Arena, London (UK)
Where can I get tickets for UFC London? Click here to buy tickets for UFC London
What channel is UFC London on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC London? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
NIKITA KRYLOV VS ALEXANDER GUSTAFSSON LOWDOWN
Nikita Krylov (27-9) has had a tough ride during his second stint in the UFC. He is 2-4 after being lined up with beast after beast. He got submitted by former champ Jan Blachowicz (2018) on his return and responded with a revenge submission over Ovince Saint Preux (2019) in their rematch. He then met another former champ in the shape of Glover Teixeira (2019) and did well to take him to a split decision but only managed to convince one judge. He bounced back again with a unanimous decision over Johnny Walker (2020) but is now on a two-fight skid getting outpointed by Magomed Ankalaev (2021) and submitted by Paul craig back in March.
Alexander Gustafsson (18-7) is not used to being this low on a UFC card, especially one in Europe. That is because his winning feeling has become a distant memory. His last win was one of the most impressive performances of his career putting on an absolute beating on Teixeira (2017) closing the show with a beautiful uppercut combination. That also came after a unanimous decision over Blachowicz (2016) however, since then he has only fought three times. He got knocked out by Jon Jones (2018) in their rematch and then submitted by Anthony Smith (2019) which forced a decision to retire. A heavyweight challenge lured him out of retirement in 2020, but it was a bad idea getting submitted by Fabricio Werdum.
NIKITA KRYLOV VS ALEXANDER GUSTAFSSON PREDICTION
It is great to see Gustafsson back and in his weight class. We hope he has found a spark to compete again as he was a fan favourite for a reason and he will need to be at the top of his game to get past the crafty veteran.
Krylov is solid everywhere and will only be giving up a couple inches in height and reach. He can hang with Gustafsson on the feet, but the smart strategy would be to close the distance and subdue him in the clinch, dragging him to the canvas. He is a very strong grappler and although only one of his wins have gone to a decision, he can grind out three rounds.
If 80% of the Gustafsson that slaughtered Teixeira turns up in London, he can run through Krylov on the feet, defending the takedown and dismantling him from range. Unfortunately, we have not seen 20% of that Gustafsson since.
A Krylov decision or submission makes the most sense, but if a rejuvenated Swede rocks up to London, he will upset the odds.
Prediction: Krylov via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Gustafsson to win