Jan Blachowicz derailed the return of light heavyweight Nikita Krylov, upsetting the local favorite at UFC Moscow on Saturday.
Nikita Krylov was a rising prospect in the UFC’s light heavyweight division before he left the promotion to fight closer to home. With the UFC expanding into Russia at long last, Krylov requested and was granted his release from Fight Nights Global, where he’d won the 205lb title while away from the UFC. UFC Moscow (UFC Fight Night 136) would mark his return to the octagon, where he’d take on Poland’s Jan BLachowicz.
Krylov and Blachowicz got going almost immediately, with Krylov on the attack with kicks, and Blachowicz as expected ready to counter. Krylov quickly landed a takedown and moved to guard. The Polish fighter threatened with an arm-bar, but Krylov was aware and evaded the attempt. Krylov kept his hips elevated, staying top-heavy on Blachowicz. Then, in a scramble, Krylov latched on to his opponent’s neck. However, Blachowicz pulled free and landed in side control. A chess match on the mat unfolded, with Blachowicz working to get into a position to either do damage or try for a submission, while Krylov looked to counter his efforts. Ultimately, it was Krylov at least reclaiming half-guard.
Round two opened with an exchange of kicks before Jan Blachowicz took the action back to the ground. Bad news for Nikita Krylov, who looked for an ankle but couldn’t latch onto it. That set up the beginning of the end. Blachowicz locked on with a side choke, with a body lock on. Looking like a rear-naked choke from the side, it was announced a D’Arce choke, and either way, an impressive finish for Jan Blachowicz.
WOW! Huge submission win for @JanBlachowicz at #UFCMoscow! pic.twitter.com/8OecT4MGak
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) September 15, 2018
Blachowicz called for a title shot after the fight, but with the state of the 205lb division, and Brock Lesnar in Daniel Cormier’s future, that may have to wait.
Jan Blachowicz def. Nikita Krylov by submission (D’Arce Choke), Round 2, 2:41
