Glover Teixeira picked up his third win in a row, defeating Nikita Krylov via split-decision. Krylov’s first decision in his entire 33-fight career.
Glover Teixeira has proven time and again throughout the latter years of his career that he’s still got it. The 39-year-old has won back-to-back fights, and three of his last four, finishing relative young-guns Karl Roberson and Ion Cutelaba in decisive fashion. He’ll face another tough test at UFC Vancouver. But, anyone counting out the veteran would be making a mistake that many have before, and many likely will in the future.
Nikita Krylov won’t be counting the Brazilian out. Krylov, once released by the UFC, fought his way back to the promotion. His return didn’t go according to plan, as his four-fight winning streak was snapped in a loss to Jan Blachowicz in September of 2018 in Moscow. Krylov responded well, submitting Ovince Saint Preux with a second-round submission at UFC 236 earlier this year.
Round 1: Krylov came out throwing kicks to start the round, Glover was having none of it as he got the fight to the ground quickly. Glover moved into the mount, where Krylov would quickly give up the back. Glover would flatten the younger fighter out, and Glover would start landing heavy ground and pound. However, Krylov would soon shake Glover off of him, and move into the mount himself. Krylov would go for the rear-naked-choke and get the arm under the chin. However, Glover would showcase his veteran spirit and fight the hands and get out of the choke, where they would return to the feet. The two would promptly trade shots before the end of an action-packed first round.
Round 2: Glover repeatedly landed left hooks to Krylov, one of which appeared to stun Krylov in the second. However, Krylov would recover, and continue to land a variety of kicks. Krylov was on his bike for the majority of the round, leading to a shrug from Glover halfway through the round. Krylov would respond by sitting down on his punches and throwing a combination. Krylov would then search for a takedown and get it with about 30 seconds left in the round. Krylov would continue to bloody Glover up as we would head to the third round.
Round 3: Krylov would shoot for a takedown to start the round and Glover would respond with a deep guillotine attempt. Krylov would get out, however, Glover would end up on top after a scramble. Glover would do some work on top, before rolling for an armbar that Krylov would roll out of. Krylov would shoot for another takedown, and Glover would once again respond with a guillotine attempt. Krylov would quickly get out of it, and do some work on top. Glover would end the round on top, however, as he would reverse the position and the fight on top as we would head to the scorecards.
All 32 fights in Nikita Krylov’s career had ended in a finish prior to this fight, that streak is now over.
Result: Glover Teixeira def. Nikita Krylov via split-decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
