Nikita Krylov wants Anthony Smith next: “I think it would be a great fight”
UFC light heavyweight contender Nikita Krylov says he wants Anthony Smith next, telling the fans that “I think it would be a great fight.”
Krylov defeated Volkan Oezdemir by decision this past weekend at UFC 280. It was a solid performance by Krylov, who utilized seven takedowns en route to victory. Before the win over Oezdemir, Krylov had destroyed Alexander Gustafsson in devastating fashion, so he’s riding a two-fight win streak at the moment. When you start beating big names like Oezdemir and Gustafsson, you get to start calling out your next opponent.
Speaking to the media following his win over Oezdemir at UFC 280, Krylov was asked who he wants to fight next. As far as Krylov — the No. 8 ranked light heavyweight — goes, the fight to make is him against No. 5 ranked Anthony Smith. According to Krylov, this is the fight that he hopes the promotion books him for next.
“Next? I don’t know. I want to rest, but I think it would be great to fight with (Anthony) Smith. I think he’s No. 5 in the rankings. I’d be really happy if the organization gave me a fight with him. If he can’t, or if he’s scared, I can fight with anyone, everyone,” Krylov said (via MMAjunkie.com).
Smith is coming off of a tough TKO loss to Magomed Ankalaev where he suffered a leg injury, so it’s not exactly clear when he will return to the Octagon next. That being said, once he does get back into the cage, he will have to defend his top-five ranking, and a fight against someone who is just a few spots below him in the ranks makes sense. We’ll see if the UFC chooses to book the fight, but it certainly seems like it would be a good one.
Do you want to see Nikita Krylov fight Anthony Smith next, and who do you think wins the fight?
