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NIKITA KRYLOV VS PAUL CRAIG FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 204? Saturday 19th March, 2022 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 204? The O2 Arena, London, England
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 204? Click here for the tickets at the O2 Arena
What channel is UFC Fight Night 204 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 204? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
NIKITA KRYLOV VS PAUL CRAIG LOWDOWN
Nikita Krylov (26-8) has had a tough ride in his second stint in the UFC taking on the very best in the division. After a submission and three straight knockouts for Fight Nights Global, he was welcomed back to the big time by former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz (2018) who submitted him in the second round. He earnt a submission of his own against Ovince Saint Preux (2019) but then ran into the current champion Glover Teixeira taking him to a split decision. He bounced back again with a unanimous decision over Johnny Walker (2020) and then ran into future title contender Magomed Ankalaev (2021) losing a unanimous decision.
Paul Craig (15-4-1) is 12 fights deep into his UFC career now and has found his best form. He went 3-4 in his first seven and is 4-0-1 in his last five. He picked up routine submissions over Vinicius Moreira (2019) and Gadzhimurad (2020) sandwiching a draw with Shogun Rua (2019). He rematched the legend after the Antigulov win and TKO’d him on the floor. He then followed that up with another TKO after dislocating Jamahal Hill’s (2021) elbow in an armbar.
NIKITA KRYLOV VS PAUL CRAIG PREDICTION
This is the toughest fight Craig has had in years. Krylov is an experienced and well-rounded machine with experience fighting the best in the division. He is a better fighter than Craig, but the Scotsman’s great equalizer is his jiu-jitsu.
Krylov has had a lot of success in his grappling, but he cannot risk tangling on the canvas with Craig. So, we expect him to try and keep the majority of the fight standing where he will have a clear edge. Craig has dangerous kicks, but if Krylov respects his power, he should be able to dictate the tempo and win the exchanges.
Krylov has the nous to control three rounds which will force Craig to aggressively hunt the submission. Krylov has been submitted five times and as Craig is the underdog, a submission is a great shout, but we are backing Krylov.
Prediction: Krylov via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Craig via Submission