UFC Las Vegas: Nikita Krylov submits Ryan Spann in fast paced first round (Video)
By Adam Stocker
UFC Las Vegas: Nikita Krylov defeated Ryan Spann.
Nikita Krylov defeated Ryan Spann via submission (triangle choke), Round 1 – 3:38 at UFC Las Vegas on Saturday, March 11, 2023, live from the Virgin Theatre in Las Vegas, NV.
"If I knew the fight was going to turn out this way, I wouldn't have pulled out. Yes, that is a joke. I want to thank the organization... I need some service for my body. One year, four fights. I need some rest. I want a contender fight," said Krylov who started the interview with a translator before switching to English.
The fighters touched gloves and immediately started throwing bombs. Spann landed a jab after Krylov went for a leg kick. Krylov landed a big shot but was taken down. Spann attempted to lock in a submission but after a struggle, Krylov was able to escape and get back up to his feet. Krylov tripped Spann and took Spann's back. Krylov caught Spann in a guillotine but escaped out the backdoor. The two continued to grapple with Krylov catching Spann in a triangle. After a brief struggle, Spann tapped out.
It's 1️⃣ and done for @KrylovUFC! #UFCLasVegas pic.twitter.com/9DKSaZjBl2
— UFC (@ufc) March 12, 2023
Krylov and Spann were originally scheduled to fight in the main event of the UFC's Feb. 25, 2023 card. However, the fight was scrapped in the middle of the card after Krylov was deemed too ill to fight. The fight was rescheduled and moved to a catchweight.
With his victory on Saturday night, Krylov improved to 30-9 with 28 finishes. The win was the third in the row for Krylov, who entered the fight as the sixth ranked light heavyweight in the UFC. Spann dropped to 21-8 with the loss.