Two ranked finishers collide in a volatile matchup as #10 Nikita “The Miner” Krylov takes on #13 Bogdan Guskov in the opening bout of the UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. de Ridder main card at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Both men are known for their aggression and finishing instincts, making this a potential one-round war.
Tale of the Tape
| Attribute | Nikita Krylov | Bogdan Guskov |
| Age | 33 | 32 |
| Height | 6′3″ | 6′3″ |
| Reach | 77.5″ | 76″ |
| Record (MMA) | 30-10-0 | 17-3-0 |
| UFC Record | 11-8 | 3-1 |
| Style | Kickboxing / Grappling | Power Striker / Brawler |
| Finish Rate | 93% | 100% |
Nikita Krylov – The Veteran Technician
Strengths:
Well-rounded skill set with 28 finishes (12 KO, 16 Sub)
Strong leg kicks and counter-striking
Solid takedown game and submission setups
Recent Form:
KO loss to Dominick Reyes (April 2025)
Wins over Ryan Spann, Alexander Gustafsson, Volkan Oezdemir
Game Plan:
Use movement and range to avoid early chaos
Mix striking with takedowns to wear down Guskov
Exploit Guskov’s wrestling vulnerability
Krylov’s experience against elite competition gives him a strategic edge. He’s faced legends like Glover Teixeira, Jan Blachowicz, and Magomed Ankalaev, and his ability to adapt mid-fight is a key asset.
Bogdan Guskov – The Uzbek Finisher
Strengths:
Explosive power with all 17 wins by finish
Aggressive pressure and wild exchanges
Opportunistic submissions (guillotine specialist)
Recent Form:
Submission win over Billy Elekana
KO wins over Zac Pauga and Ryan Spann
Loss in UFC debut to Volkan Oezdemir (Sub)
Game Plan:
Push pace early and test Krylov’s chin
Use teep kicks and looping hooks to close distance
Look for scrambles and quick finishes
Guskov is a fan-friendly fighter who thrives in chaos. His chin and power make him a live underdog, and he’s earned two performance bonuses in his last three fights.
Key Dynamics
Experience vs. Momentum: Krylov’s 40-fight résumé vs. Guskov’s 3-fight UFC win streak
Grappling vs. Chaos: Krylov’s control vs. Guskov’s wild exchanges
Durability vs. Power: Krylov’s tested chin vs. Guskov’s finishing rate
FIGHT ODDS
Nikita Krylov – 200
Bogdan Guskov + 170
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 25, 2025
