The light heavyweight division presents the ring fight between Nikita Krylov vs Dominick Reyes at the UFC 314. Nikita Krylov and Dominick Reyes are both coming from important wins and will be looking to extend them.  This bout is bound to be an exciting showdown.

Fighters’ Profiles and Strength

Nikita Krylov – WWWLL

Nikita Krylov is a Ukrainian mixed martial artist. He fights in the light heavyweight division. Krylov started his MMA career in 2010 and has fought in many organizations, including the UFC. Early in his career, he found success in regional promotions in Ukraine and Russia. He won 16 of his 18 fights before joining the UFC in 2013.

In his UFC debut, Krylov lost to Ovince Saint Preux by decision. However, he won his next two fights by stoppage. After that, he suffered a TKO loss to Soa Palelei. Following this, Krylov was released from the UFC and fought for other promotions, like M-1 Global and Fight Nights Global. He had a strong run, winning six out of seven fights, all by stoppage.

Krylov returned to the UFC in 2018. Since then, he has become a top contender in the light heavyweight division. He has won six of his nine UFC fights, with notable victories over Ed Herman, Ovince Saint Preux, and Johnny Walker. Known for his striking and submission skills, Krylov has won 16 of his 27 career victories by submission.

In addition to his striking, Krylov is a skilled grappler with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is dangerous on the ground, with a wide range of submissions, including chokes, armlocks, and leglocks. Krylov is always looking for opportunities to finish his opponents.

Overall, Krylov is a versatile fighter. He adapts his style to exploit his opponent’s weaknesses. He is a dangerous finisher, whether on his feet or on the ground. His biggest win came on April 13, 2019, when he submitted Ovince Saint Preux at UFC 236.

Dominick Reyes – WWLLL

Dominick Reyes, also known as “The Devastator,” has a professional boxing record of 14 wins and 4 losses. He fights with the Elevation Fight Team and is based in California. At 35, Reyes last fought on December 7, 2024, in the UFC. He faced Anthony Smith and won by ground-and-pound technical knockout. 

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Before that, he defeated Dustin Jacoby by punches-and-knee technical knockout. Reyes is ranked 12th among the best MMA light heavyweights and 79th in the P4P MMA rankings. In 2017, he won a fight in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). He then joined the UFC, securing 8 wins and 4 losses. Reyes has a background in kickboxing and wrestling and is coached by Danny Reyes.

What time is the fight?

The fight goes live on Saturday 04.12.2025 at 06:00 PM ET

Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida, United States

How Can I Watch It?

You can watch it on ESPN+ and Pay-per-view if you’re interested.

Statistical Matchup

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Final Prediction

Nikita Krylov is favored by the bookies in this match. He has won three fights in a row, which gives him an advantage. His fighting style is aggressive, with strong striking and submission grappling. He is known for his knockout power in both his hands and feet. Krylov uses dynamic kicks, including spinning back kicks and head kicks, to keep opponents at a distance.  Reyes, on the other hand, is at a disadvantage due to being three years older. I expect this match to be tough because both fighters will draw strength from their past wins. Krylov is a well-rounded fighter with skills in karate and sambo.. I predict a late knockout victory in the final round. 

FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE – NO

NIKITA KRYLOV TO WIN

NIKITA KRYLOV TO WIN BY KO, DQ, OR TKO

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