The main card of UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. de Ridder, scheduled for July 26, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, features a high-stakes light heavyweight clash between seasoned veteran Nikita Krylov and fast-rising knockout artist Bogdan Guskov. It’s a pivotal bout between ranked contenders looking to crack into the top 5.

Nikita Krylov
Nikita Krylov (30–10) is one of the division’s most experienced fighters, known for his aggressive style and finishing instincts. With 28 of his 30 wins coming via finish, Krylov is dangerous both on the feet and the ground, boasting a well-rounded arsenal of submissions and striking. He has fought a who’s who of the division, Blachowicz, Teixeira, Ankalaev, and recently submitted Ryan Spann before a setback loss to Dominick Reyes via KO.

Krylov’s strength lies in pace and unpredictability. He thrives in scrambles and is effective at initiating chaos early. However, his chin has shown cracks, and he can be hit cleanly in open exchanges.

Nikita Krylov – Last 5 Fights:

* Loss vs. Dominick Reyes – KO (Punch) – UFC 314, Apr 12, 2025
* Win vs. Ryan Spann – Submission (Triangle Choke) – UFC FN: Yan vs. Dvalishvili, Mar 11, 2023
* Win vs. Volkan Oezdemir – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 280, Oct 22, 2022
* Win vs. Alexander Gustafsson – KO (Punches) – UFC FN: Blaydes vs. Aspinall, Jul 23, 2022
* Loss vs. Paul Craig – Submission (Triangle Choke) – UFC FN: Volkov vs. Aspinall, Mar 19, 2022

Krylov is aggressive early, but if the fight drags into deep waters, his defense and cardio can waver.

Bogdan Guskov
Bogdan Guskov (17–3) is one of the most exciting new names in the light heavyweight division. Riding a three-fight UFC win streak with all finishes, Guskov has devastating one-shot power and surprisingly sharp submission skills. He most recently choked out Billy Elekana in January after back-to-back knockouts of Ryan Spann and Zac Pauga, both earning Performance of the Night bonuses.

Guskov is explosive and efficient. While still developing defensively, he’s shown rapid improvement and lethal finishing instincts. His only UFC loss came in a grappling exchange against Volkan Oezdemir, but he’s bounced back impressively.

Bogdan Guskov – Last 5 Fights:

* Win vs. Billy Elekana – Submission (Guillotine Choke) – UFC 311, Jan 18, 2025
* Win vs. Ryan Spann – TKO (Punches) – UFC on ESPN: Nicolau vs. Perez, Apr 27, 2024
* Win vs. Zac Pauga – KO (Punches) – UFC FN: Hermansson vs. Pyfer, Feb 10, 2024
* Loss vs. Volkan Oezdemir – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – UFC FN: Gane vs. Spivac, Sep 2, 2023
* Win vs. Carlos Eduardo – TKO (Punches) – MMA Series 64, Mar 18, 2023

Guskov’s striking is precise and brutal, but the real improvement is his growing composure and timing.

Prediction
This fight promises violence early. Krylov will likely press forward with unpredictable combinations and look to mix in grappling. However, his tendency to get caught in transitions could be costly against a finisher like Guskov.

Guskov is the more powerful and technically sound striker, and if Krylov overcommits to scrambles or entries, Guskov can punish him with counters. Unless Krylov gets the fight to the mat early and controls position, Guskov’s precision and explosiveness could be the difference.

Expect fireworks in Round 1. Krylov is dangerous everywhere, but Guskov’s power and momentum are hard to deny.

Prediction:
Bogdan Guskov def. Nikita Krylov via KO (Punches) – Round 1

A breakout moment may be ahead for the Uzbek standout as he eyes top-tier contenders.