UFC Fight Night Prediction: A Moneyline Bet for Nikita Krylov vs. Ryan Spann on Saturday, Feb. 25

Steady wins the race to the top of Saturday’s UFC card. Ryan Spann and Nikita Krylov demonstrate metronome consistency with their styles that fight fans and bettors alike can appreciate.

Nikita Krylov vs. Ryan Spann Pick: Krylov Moneyline | Shop for the Best Odds Below!

Light Heavyweight | Main Event | 10 p.m. ET

Nikita Krylov stretches every millimeter of his 77.5-inch reach to give compact combatants problems standing up. His aggressive submissions on the ground made more deadly by 38 fights of combat experience gives more to think about on the ground as well. 

The knack for kimuras and chokes works both ways. Krylov has suffered 4 submission losses in the UFC and 6 in his journeyman career. His typically advantageous length acts as a natural point of leverage for opponents to lock in their own joint attacks.

Necks don’t apply to that point until a giraffe enters the Octagon (Dana White’s Power Slap League appears out of reach). Ryan Spann chops the hopes of many shooters that leave themselves open to the opportunity.

Krylov wants to create takedown opportunities, as he is giving up a significant power advantage on the feet, particularly in the early rounds when both are fresh.

Chances of surviving and thriving skyrocket if Krylov gets out of the first round. Krylov enjoys a significant cardio advantage. It’s also worth noting Spann’s submission defense lapsed against Anthony Smith via getting choked out three fights ago. 

It’s also worth noting the Dominick Reyes that Spann knocked out during his last fight deteriorated significantly from the prime version that every media outlet to submit a card felt beat Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title. 

A first-round finish for the underdog deserves an alternative glance at +165 odds, but the safer bet here is banking on Krylov getting the tap or surviving the initial burst to win the war of attrition later on.

I locked this in for -184 at FanDuel, but use the table above to shop for the best real-time odds!