The MMA Daily

We have a ranked fight in the Light Heavyweight division, as Nikita “The Miner” Krylov takes on Paul “Bearjew” Craig. Having traded wins and losses for the past six fights, Krylov will seek to find some consistency. Checking in at 9th in the Light Heavyweight division, Krylov still remains in good standings. However, a win-streak of some sorts will be needed to climb up the totem. Meanwhile, Craig is 4-0-1 in his last five. Having not lost since 2019, and with a recent submission victory over Jamahal Hill, Craig is becoming a major player at 205 pounds.

As for a prediction, I have Krylov winning. While this is one of the tougher fights to pick on the card, as it really could either way in a heartbeat, I like Krylov’s overall game better than Craig. Even despite Krylov’s lack of success, the strength of schedule has more to do with than anything else. Since coming back to the UFC in 2018, Krylov has fought Jan Blachowicz, Ovince St. Preux, Glover Teixeira, Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev. If anyone’s counting, that’s the former Light Heavyweight Champion, a former Light Heavyweight title challenger, the Current Light Heavyweight Champion, the 12th ranked Light Heavyweight and the 4th ranked Light Heavyweight. With a well rounded game, Krylov has shown comfortability wherever the fight takes place. In this particular fight though, it would be wise for Krylov to avoid grappling and keep it standing. Otherwise, like I said before, this fight can flip in a heartbeat. Craig is a solid grappler with excellent submissions in his arsenal. Having won all fifteen of his victories via stoppage, twelve of which have come via submission, Craig is a dangerous opponent to face. Especially for Krylov, who has been submitted in five of his eight losses. However, I believe Krylov will keep this on the feet and eventually knock out Craig.