Nikita Krylov has wasted no time in singling out his next target after defeating Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 280.
The Ukrainian grabbed a unanimous decision victory in Abu Dhabi, his second win in a row. He is now in a position to ask for a big name, and he thinks he knows who. Speaking post-fight at the press conference, he named Anthony Smith as his preferred foe.
Krylov Wants Smith Next: “I Will Be Happy, Really Happy”
“Next? I don’t know, I want to rest. But next, it would be great to fight with Anthony Smith. Smith would be good, I think he is number five in the rankings. I will be happy, really happy if the organization gives me a fight with him.”
Krylov, though, isn’t sure if Smith is up to the challenge.
“If he can’t, or is scared, I can fight with anyone, everyone.”
The light-heavyweight contender won a decision for only the second time in his storied career that is glittered with highlight real finishes. In Anthony Smith, he would face a former title challenger who always features near the top of the rankings. Smith is coming off a loss to Magomed Ankalaev, a fearsome Russian crusading toward a title shot. Before that, he was on a three-fight win streak, and Krylov could make sense to get him back on track.
The American himself only has two decision wins in his career, giving this potential match-up every chance of an epic finish. For now, though, both men look to be firmly in recovery mode.
Would you be down to see a scrap between Anthony Smith and Nikita Krylov next?
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