After dropping the first round, Magomed Ankalaev got back to form to defeat Nikita Krylov by decision at UFC Vegas 20.
A battle of ranked light heavyweights served as the co-main event of UFC Vegas 20. The 205lb scrap saw Magomed Ankalaev, finally putting Ion Cutelaba in the rear-view mirror, go up against Nikita Krylov.
Krylov opened the fight with a body kick and Ankalaev threw one right back. Krylov then stepped in and delivered two right hands en route to getting a hold of his Russian opponent and dragging him to the mat against the cage. Ankalaev was never completely down though, and used the cage to stand back up with Krylov still hanging on. They traded knees then broke apart. On the feet, Ankalaev was landing a check right hook often with his lead hand. A high kick found the target for Krylov. It was Ankalaev who had control of the center of the cage as Krylov stayed on the outside, using kicks to close the distance periodically. With 15 seconds left in the round, Ankalaev shot for a takedown that was stopped by the fence.
The fighters came together quickly and had a fiery exchange to start the second round. Krylov briefly had a hold of Ankalaev, but let go and got back to swinging. A combination that was stamped by a body kick landed successfully for Krylov. He went back to the body kick, but this time it was caught and Ankalaev took the opportunity to land some hard shots including a knee down the middle. Krylov went high with a kick after they separated and Ankalaev ducked under to get a takedown with just under two minutes left in the round. Krylov focused on limiting the offense of Ankalaev and got to the end of the round without suffering much damage.
Both men came out firing in the third round with the most significant shot in the early goings being a big right hand from Ankalaev. He then pushed Krylov against the cage and worked for a takedown, trying to secure the fight. He was eventually able to drag Krylov down with three minutes left in a seated position against the cage. Krylov worked his way up, but it wasn’t too long before Ankalaev dragged him down again. With time winding down, Krylov was desperately trying to get back to his feet, but Ankalaev was just too heavy on top. The round and fight ended with Ankalaev holding Krylov down.
Official Result: Magomed Ankalaev def. Nikita Krylov by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
