LAS VEGAS – The previous time Ryan Spann sat at a UFC news conference was Feb. 25, and he was devastated.
As Spann (21-7 MMA, 7-2 UFC) spoke, he broke down in tears. His scheduled main event battle vs. Nikita Krylov (29-9 MMA, 10-7 UFC) was unexpectedly canceled moments prior and Spann still hadn’t processed what happened.
Fast forward a week-and-a-half later, Spann entered the media room Wednesday with his focus back on the same target, unwilling to be affected by powers outside of his control.
“The last couple weeks was really business as usual,” Spann told MMA Junkie and other reporters ahead of UFC Fight Night 221. “We did what we were going to do anyway, which was go straight back to training. I think after we went through negotiations and stuff, I think I signed Thursday or Friday maybe. I don’t know, but either way we were already ready anyway and kept training.”
While the opponent remains the same, many of the other terms of the bout have changed. The fight is being held two weeks later than the original date, up 10 pounds at a contracted weight of 215, and will take place at a different venue, The Theater at Virgin Hotels.
“Honestly, I don’t think about it,” Spann said. “I guess it’s neat to be somewhere else. I think this is a new place that we’re going to. I don’t put all my focus in that. The cage the same whether it is in there, right here, or right here. It don’t matter to me. It’s me, a dude that I can hit, and a dude I’m not allowed to hit. Wherever you put that, we’re good.”
Does Spann think Krylov will be ready to go Saturday, or will history unfortunately repeat itself? Again, Spann isn’t concerned one way or another.
“I don’t really give a f*ck,” Spann said. “I just know I’ll be taken care of if he shows up or not. Either way, I’ll be ready and I’ll be back at work Monday. It’s all good.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 221.
