The UFC Fight Night 220 main event will feature a Light Heavyweight matchup between ranked contenders No.6 Nikita Krylov and No.8 Ryan Spann. Both fighters are coming off back-to-back wins and are creeping their way into title contention in a wide-open 205-pound division. In the Co-main Event dangerous Jiu-Jitsu specialist Andre Muniz (23-4) faces surging prospect Brendan Allen (20-5), who is riding a three-fight win streak into this contest. Also, on the card, Tatiana Suarez makes her return to the Octogan against Montana De La Rosa, and Mike Malott and Yohan Lainesse collide in an intriguing welterweight matchup.
(6) Nikita Krylov (29-9) vs (8) Ryan Spann (21-7)
The UFC Fight Night 220 Main Event between Nikita Krylov and Ryan Spann is a fight between two devastating strikers who always go for the finish. Krylov is a 17-fight veteran of the promotion and holds impressive stoppage victories over Alexander Gustafsson, Ovince Saint Preux, and Walt Harris. In his most recent victory, Krylov defeated former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir by unanimous decision. Spann is coming off the most impressive win of his career knocking out Dominick Reyes at Madison Square Garden in November. Spann has finished five of his seven UFC victories and possesses one-punch knockout power.
Both of these fighters are very aggressive strikers which means this fight could end early. Krylov is a Karate black belt who throws devastating straight punches and leg kicks at distance. Spann is a tremendous athlete at 6’5 whose boxing has drastically improved in recent fights. Recently Spann has found success on the feet but he also has 12 submissions on his resume. Krylov is a master of sport in submission fighting and holds 15 submission victories on his own record. This is a very even and competitive matchup that is almost guaranteed to produce fireworks.
Prediction
If I had to predict this main event I would take Spann by Knockout. Spann has made improvements that can not be denied in recent years. Krylov is one of the most aggressive fighters on the roster with 22 first-round finishes in his career, but his overly aggressive style could lead to problems against the powerful Ryan Spann. In his last fight against Volkan Oezdemir, Krylov got clipped early with a big right hand but rallied in rounds two and three to secure a victory.
If Krylov gets hit cleanly by Spann it’s going to lead to significant problems. I’m guessing that both of these fighters will come out looking to end the fight early. If this fight ends up being a high-paced battle I believe that Spann will get the win. Krylov could choose to wrestle Spann however, where he could have an advantage. Due to Krylov’s fighting style over his career, I do not think that will be his game plan. The winner of UFC Fight Night 220’s main event will move one step close to title contention.
(11) Andre Muniz (23-4) vs Brendan Allen (20-5)
In the Co-main Event Andre Muniz will fight Brendan Allen in a matchup of middleweight prospects. Muniz has an impressive ground game that could cause problems for some of the elite fighters at 185 pounds. Muniz is undefeated in the UFC and is on a nine-fight winning streak heading into this contest. On this impressive streak, Muniz defeated Uriah Hall, Erik Anders, and Jacare Souza. Muniz garnered the attention of hardcore MMA fans in 2021 when he submitted Jacare Souza, breaking the arm of the former Jiu-Jitsu world champion with a devastating Armbar finish. Allen has won eight of his ten fights in the UFC and will be the first real test for Muniz as a ranked fighter.
Primarily, Allen is also known for his slick ground game earning 11 submission victories in his professional career. Allen may be good enough on the ground to defend the takedown attempts of Muniz, which makes this a very interesting matchup. Neither fighter is known for their striking, but Muniz will enjoy a three-inch reach advantage on the feet. Allen will need to defend the takedown attempts of Muniz and outpoint him with volume while striking if he wants to win this fight.
UFC Fight Night 220 Prelims:
The UFC Fight Night 220 prelims are set with a few fights fans should tune in early for. A Heavyweight matchup between Augusto Sakai (15-5) and Don’Tale Mayes (9-4) should entertain fans early as these two powerful Heavyweights are always looking to end the fight. Alaska’s Mike Malott (8-1) will look to pick up his second win in the UFC Saturday. He will face dangerous striker Yohan Lainesse (9-1). Malott is a veteran of the Dana White Contender Series and is a tremendous athlete for 170 pounds. Also on the prelims, potential star Tatiana Suarez (9-0) makes her return to the cage after nearly four years away. Suarez is a tremendous grappler who holds finishes over Alexa Grasso and Former Champion Carla Esparza. Suarez will face Montana De La Rosa (12-7) who is 2-2-1 in her last five fights.
UFC Fight Night 220 can be seen on ESPN+ with the main card kicking off at 6 pm CT.
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