Nikita Krylov and Bogdan Guskov meet Saturday in the main card opener of UFC on ABC 9 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 2-3
UFC main cards, 2025: 70-53-1
Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov UFC on ABC 9 preview
Krylov (30-10 MMA, 11-8 UFC) will aim to rebound from a first-round knockout loss to Dominick Reyes at UFC 314 in April. That result snapped a three-fight winning streak, which included stoppages of Alexander Gustafsson and Ryan Spann, with a unanimous decision nod over Volkan Oezdemir. … Guskov (17-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC) quickly righted the ship after being submitted by Oezdemir in his 2023 UFC debut. Since then, Guskov has finished three straight opponents: Zac Pauga, Billy Elekana, and the aforementioned Spann.
Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov UFC on ABC 9 expert pick, prediction
Despite having excellent lighter-weight action fights below and above this bout, the UFC matchmakers and their love for force-feeding us big guys on Fight Night main cards strikes again.
Although Krylov is a tenured light heavyweight who deserves some love, and Guskov is someone who brings the action, this fight will likely be the equivalent of one of those highway car crashes that everyone slows down to look at – but no one seems to remember by the time they get to where they’re going.
Krylov’s last loss is probably giving pause to many, but given that I predicted and expected that exact outcome opposite Dominick Reyes – I can’t say that I’m ready to condemn “The Miner” over it. In fact, I suspect that Krylov’s last loss will only further encourage him to exploit the major weakness in Guskov’s game, which is wrestling.
For that reason, I’ll pick Krylov to get back on track with a submission win in Round 1.
Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov UFC on ABC 9 odds
The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the more experienced fighter, listing Krylov -202 and Guskov +172 via FanDuel.
Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov UFC on ABC 9 start time, how to watch
As the main card opener, Krylov and Guskov are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 12:10 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts live on ABC and streams on ESPN+.
