At UFC 280, top 10 light heavyweight contenders Volkan Oezdemir and Nikita Krylov met inside the Octagon.
Both fighters entered the bout looking to make it two in a row. No. 10 ranked Krylov is coming off the biggest win of his career, knocking out former UFC title challenger Alexander Gustafsson in 67-seconds while Oezdemir, sitting in the No. eight spot in the rankings earned a unanimous decision win over Paul Craig on that very same night in July.
Round 1
Both fighters came out throwing leather early with Oezdemir landing a big right hand that forces Krylov back. Krylov eats another one prompting him to shoot for a takedown but is unable to finish. Oezdemir moves in with a half-Thai plum and lands a few solid uppercuts, but Krylov changes levels for a double leg. Oezdemir moves to the fence to stabilize himself before pushing Krylov off. The two fighters reset in the middle of the Octagon. Oezdemir lands a straight right but eats a returned shot from Krylov that sends him backward. Krylov swarms once again, clinching against the fence. Krylov drags Oezdemir to the ground, taking his back in the process, and threatens a rear-naked choke. Oezdemir fights his way out and back to his feet. Krylov retreats but ends up on his back with Oezdemir in side control. Krylov gets back to his feet as the round comes to a close.
Round 2
Krylov opens the second round with a series of kicks, including a glancing head kick before shooting in for a takedown. Krylov succeeds in dragging Oezdemir to the canvas. In an attempt to get up, Oezdemir gives up his back but does manage to get to his feet. Both fighters look fatigued as the pace slows. Krylov once again moves in with a solid combination of strikes before shooting in and landing his fifth takedown of the fight. Krylov delivers ground and pound from Oezdemir’s guard. Oezdemir looks content to stay on his back as the second round concludes.
Round 3
In the final round, Krylov appears to be the fresher of the two fighters. Moving in once again with a series of strikes that back up Oezdemir, shoots for the takedown, and secures it. Oezdemir is unable to muster the strength to work his way up, but a lack of action from Krylov results in a stand-up from the presiding referee. Oezdemir’s punches are labored as Krylov swarms once again, landing a series of strikes before initiating the takedown and finishing it with little resistance from Oezdemir. Nikita Krylov maintains control, landing strikes from the guard until the final buzzer sounds.
Official Result: Nikita Krylov def. Volkan Oezdemir via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Check Out Highlights From Volkan Oezdemir vs. Nikita Krylov
Don't blink! Light heavyweights meet in the Octagon next 💥@Volkan_Oezdemir and @KrylovUFC making the walk at #UFC280!
📺 Prelims are live now on ESPN News & @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/wdCOywApb6
— UFC (@ufc) October 22, 2022
Nikita Krylov takes the decision in an absolutely fun fight with Volkan Oezdemir! #UFC280 https://t.co/WnRCf6hMzn
— The MMA Outsiders (@MMAOutsidersETB) October 22, 2022
Nikita Krylov vence a Volkan Oezdemir por decisión unánime (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)#UFC280
pic.twitter.com/N5wtuSeuMs— SoloMMA (@Solo_MMA) October 22, 2022
