After fights that mesmerized the world of mixed martial arts with some of the most unexpected turns of events, it was the moment for the Ukrainian mixed martial artist with the second-highest strike accuracy, Nikita Krylov (29-9), as he secured a win over the American contender, Ryan Spann (21-7), with a triangle choke, at the UFC Fight Night 221 main card and ignited The Theater at Virgin Hotels, LA. Although the two were initially planned to fight a five-round match, they had to come down to three rounds and yet did not disappoint.
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Official Decision: Nikita Krylov wins by submission in the first round (Triangle choke)
Without a doubt, the world has saved its eyes for Petr Yan to go against Merab Dvalishvili. The hype turned up a notch after ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor sparred with Dvalishvili, thereby sending a warning to Yan before their match. However, the other fights in the stack did their best not to disappoint. Doubtlessly, ‘The Miner’ versus ‘Superman’ entertained the audience in a way very few matchups could.
UFC world reacts to Spann vs. Krylov at UFC Vegas 71
Although the fight was a couple of weeks later, the action-packed fight was in fact enough to raise the adrenaline levels of the fans. Furthermore, the fight took place at 215 lbs instead of being a heavyweight bout. ‘The Miner’ was quick to take the American fighter to a clinch. Without a doubt, the Ukrainian warrior wished to finish the fight as soon as possible.
Spann immediately took down Krylov and controlled Krylov’s neck. However, he switched to a brabo choke as soon as Krylov shrugged his neck free. Surprisingly, the grappling continued, and ‘Superman’ found his way to another guillotine. Nevertheless, Krylov proved that he was a better grappler as he took on position and executed a triangle choke. Doubtlessly, Spann had no choice but to tap out in the first round itself.
Fans and professionals had a lot to say about the fight. Undoubtedly, the MMA world found the pace of the fight to be insane, indeed.
Crazy pace and crazy finish
— Zac Pauga (@ZacPauga) March 12, 2023
"One year, four fights, I need rest." – Nikita Krylov says he needs to take some time off. #UFCVegas71
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) March 12, 2023
Nikita Krylov submits Ryan Spann after a wild round#UFCLasVegas
pic.twitter.com/sZkwHYR8y6— MMA Mania (@mmamania) March 12, 2023
Nikita Krylov is a DOG! Just barrelling forward into Ryan Spann with no hesitancy #UFCLasVegas
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) March 12, 2023
Nikita Krylov locks on a triangle choke to finish Ryan Spann in the first round.
What a wild fight. The grappling exchanges were awesome.#UFCLasVegas
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) March 12, 2023
Nikita Krylov derails the Ryan Spann hype train with a first-round submission. #UFCLasVegas
— Adam Martin (@MMAdamMartin) March 12, 2023
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WHAT A ROUND AND WHAT A FINISH! 🤯
Nikita Krylov taps out Ryan Spann! 👋#UFCLasVegas pic.twitter.com/oziI3MBVod
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) March 12, 2023
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What are your thoughts about the fight? Did the fight proceed as per your predictions? Let us know in the comments down below.
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