LAS VEGAS – For the first time in his UFC career, Nikita Krylov was forced out of competing, but is now ready to go two weeks later.
At UFC Fight Night 220, Krylov (29-9 MMA, 10-7 UFC) was set to headline opposite Ryan Spann at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Krylov’s 18th fight with the promotion would have served as his first main event, however, a fight-day illness forced him out just hours before the bout against Spann (21-7 MMA, 7-2 UFC).
Both fighters made it to the venue on fight day, but there would be no fight. The pair met in the back and exchanged brief words before going their separate ways.
“He was a little bit disappointed, but it’s health, you know?” Krylov told reporters at Wednesday’s media day about his interaction with Spann.
Krylov revealed the illness was likely caused by a meal he ate the night before the scheduled fight, which contained eggs that were not fresh.
“In our hotel, we don’t have a refrigerator,” Krylov said. “I took my food in the evening Friday. Saturday morning I take food, and after 90 minutes, maybe two hours, I feel myself (getting) bad. My temperature stay higher, I feel a bit of discomfort inside. We came to the Apex and we worked with a doctor. He gave me one pill. After one more pill, we tried all what I can to fight, but I can’t do it.”
Considering the circumstances of the cancelation, and how quickly Krylov recovered from the illness, the fight was able to be rebooked for UFC Fight Night 221 just two weeks later.
Although the opponent is the same, other details have changed; some for better, some for worse.
The fight city is still Las Vegas, but the venue is The Theater at Virgin Hotels, which will have more fans in attendance to watch the action. Krylov is no longer facing Spann in the main event, which means 10 minutes less of fighting, should it go the distance. But to accommodate both fighters making a quick turnaround to make the fight happen, the light heavyweights will not be cutting weight to 205 pounds and will meet at 215 pounds instead.
“In theory, this looks like (it’s) better, but for me, (it would have been) better (to) make my first main event, and show great fight,” Krylov said. “But it is what it is. I’m happy and thanks God for all what happened with me, and I’m ready to fight this Saturday.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 221.
