After his devastating first-round knockout loss to Dominick Reyes at UFC 314, Nikita Krylov finds himself at a career crossroads. Once seen as a dark horse in the light heavyweight division, Krylov now needs a fight that can reignite his momentum but also offer a compelling narrative.

A rematch with former champion Jan Błachowicz is the ideal next step. Their first meeting ended in a submission loss for Krylov back in 2018, and with both fighters now coming off defeats, the timing is perfect for a second chapter. Błachowicz, who recently lost to Carlos Ulberg via unanimous decision, is also looking to bounce back and maintain relevance in the top five. A rematch would not only settle unfinished business but also provide a chance for both fighters to reestablish themselves in a shifting division.

Last five fights of Nikita Krylov:

1. Loss vs. Dominick Reyes – KO (punch) – UFC 314, April 12, 2025
2. Win vs. Ryan Spann – Submission (triangle choke) – UFC Fight Night, March 11, 2023
3. Win vs. Volkan Oezdemir – Decision (unanimous) – UFC 280, October 22, 2022
4. Win vs. Alexander Gustafsson – KO (punches) – UFC Fight Night, July 23, 2022
5. Loss vs. Paul Craig – Submission (triangle choke) – UFC Fight Night, March 19, 2022

Last five fights of Jan Błachowicz:

1. Loss vs. Carlos Ulberg – Decision (unanimous) – UFC Fight Night, March 22, 2025
2. Loss vs. Alex Pereira – Decision (split) – UFC 291, July 29, 2023
3. Draw vs. Magomed Ankalaev – Draw (split) – UFC 282, December 10, 2022
4. Win vs. Aleksandar Rakić – TKO (knee injury) – UFC on ESPN, May 14, 2022
5. Loss vs. Glover Teixeira – Submission (rear-naked choke) – UFC 267, October 30, 2021