The opening bout of the UFC Abu Dhabi Main Card on ABC is a Light Heavyweight fight between No. 10 Nikita Krylov vs. No. 13 Bogdan Guskov. Guskov is riding a three-fight win streak while Krylov has won three of his previous four contests. The Main Event for this card is No. 5 Robert Whittaker vs. No. 13 Reinier de Ridder.
Here is my best bet for Krylov vs. Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Nikita Krylov to Win by KO/TKO/DQ or Submission (-135)
Krylov has been in the UFC since 2013, having spent two stints in the company, and holds an 11-8 record in the promotion. He has fought four former champions, among numerous contenders, over the years. Now he will test his skills against a newer fighter in the 205-pound division in Guskov.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Krylov is a -198 favorite with Guskov being a +164 underdog. With Krylov being a versatile fighter with an elite finishing ability (16 submissions and 12 knockouts), getting him at -135 to win this bout by KO/TKO/DQ or Submission seems like the better play.
Krylov hasn’t lost two straight fights since 2022. If he wants to get back to his winning ways, his strategy must include early takedown attempts while putting out a high volume of strikes on the feet.
