Light heavyweights Nikita Krylov and Modestas Bukauskas threw down on the UFC 324 preliminary card at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday.
The bout found the #13-ranked Krylov looking to fend off Bukauskas, who was looking to break into the promotion’s top 15 as part of an inspirational second run with the promotion.
Both fighters started out exchanging kicks in the opening thirty seconds. Bukauskas bounced back and forth before pouncing in with a straight right hand. Krylov pushed the fight up against the fence, initiating the clinch in hopes to find a takedown. After a few moments of cage control, Krylov landed an inside trip but Bukauskas returned to his feet immediately. After exiting the clinch, Krylov threw a threatening kick to the head that barley missed. Modesta seemed a step behind in the opening five minutes, as the veteran Nikita Krylov took the round.
In the second, Krylov opened with a kick to the body as Bukauskas returned with a crisp right hand. Krylov continued to rush forward running into multiple punches from Bukauskas before entering the clinch. Just like the first round, Krylov forced the fight to the fence for a few moments. A big right hand landed for Bukauskas as Krylov crashed forward. Both fighters connected with punches near the fence before the end of the round. At times Bukauskas looked like the faster and more athletic fighter, but the continually output was not there.
Kyrlov threw a front kick the body in the first ten seconds of round three. Fighting well on the outside Krylov showcased a dynamic kicking game all night, as Bukauskas was just a bit out of range all night. Krylov marched forward narrowing avoiding a big left hook, Bukauskas landed a low kick as he exited range. Krylov was the agressor in this round, walking down the younger fighter.
Just as Modestas landed a significant strike he ran forward and was clipped with a right hand in the final five seconds of the fight. The beautifully timed right hand sat down Bukauskas and forced a stoppage. Krylov dominated the entire fight and put a stamp on his impressive win with a knockout finish.
In his post fight interview, Nikita Krylov, who snapped a two-fight skid on Saturday, called for a rematch with Poland’s Jan Blachowicz.
Official Result: Nikita Krylov def. Modestas Bukauskas by KO (punches), Round 3, 4:57
