Nikita Andreyevich Krylov Bio
Nikita Andreyevich Krylov is a Ukrainian-born Russian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on March 7, 1992, in Krasnyi Luch, Luhansk, Ukraine, Krylov has been active since 2012 and is known for his striking and grappling skills. He has also competed for M-1 Global and Fight Nights Global, building a reputation as a formidable competitor in MMA.
Early Life and Background
Krylov was born into an ethnic Russian family in Krasnyi Luch, Ukraine. He began training in Kyokushin karate at the age of ten, inspired by his father who was a successful competitor in the sport. Krylov earned the title of Master of Sports of Ukraine in Kyokushin Karate. He pursued education at the Donetsk Law Institute while developing his martial arts skills.
His early exposure to martial arts laid the foundation for his transition into mixed martial arts in 2012. Krylov’s background in karate contributed to his striking abilities, which have been a key aspect of his fighting style throughout his career.
Path to MMA
Krylov made his professional MMA debut on July 27, 2012, at West Fight 4 in Donetsk, Ukraine, winning by TKO. He quickly amassed a series of victories, primarily by submission and TKO, demonstrating his versatility. Early in his career, he faced setbacks such as submission losses but continued to develop his skills and gain experience.
He competed in various regional promotions including M-1 Global and Fight Nights Global, where he earned notable wins and built his reputation. His performances in these organizations paved the way for his entry into the UFC, the premier MMA organization globally.
Nikita Andreyevich Krylov Career
Early Career (2012–2013)
Krylov’s early career was marked by rapid success in regional circuits. After his debut win, he secured eleven more victories in five months, mostly by submission. Despite suffering submission losses to Vladimir Mishchenko twice, Krylov rebounded with wins in tournaments and events across Ukraine and Russia.
His aggressive style and finishing ability caught the attention of larger promotions, leading to his signing with the UFC in 2013. These formative years were crucial in honing his grappling and striking skills.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2013–2017)
Krylov debuted in the UFC on August 31, 2013, at UFC 164 against Soa Palelei but lost via TKO. He returned with a quick 25-second TKO victory over Walt Harris in January 2014. Krylov then transitioned to the Light Heavyweight division, where he found greater success.
He secured wins against fighters such as Cody Donovan, Stanislav Nedkov, and Marcos Rogério de Lima, often finishing fights by submission or TKO. His notable victories included a standing guillotine choke and a rear-naked choke submission. Krylov demonstrated a well-rounded skill set and resilience in the octagon.
Despite some losses, including a submission defeat to Ovince Saint Preux and a knockout loss to Misha Cirkunov, Krylov maintained a competitive presence. In 2017, he chose not to re-sign with the UFC, seeking opportunities closer to home and to further develop his skills.
Fight Nights Global and Return to UFC (2017–Present)
After leaving the UFC, Krylov signed with Fight Nights Global, where he continued to impress with quick finishes, including a guillotine choke submission and knockout victories. He won the Fight Nights Global Light Heavyweight title by knocking out Fabio Maldonado in 2018.
In 2018, Krylov returned to the UFC and faced top contenders such as Jan Błachowicz, Ovince Saint Preux (rematch), and Glover Teixeira. He earned a Performance of the Night award for his first-round knockout of Alexander Gustafsson in 2022. Krylov remains an active competitor, fighting in the UFC’s Light Heavyweight division and training at Vale Tudo MMA Academy YK Promotion Fight Club number one in Moscow, Russia.
Driving Style and Strengths
Krylov is known for his versatile striking and grappling abilities, combining his Kyokushin karate background with effective submission skills. His reach and height advantage allow him to control distance, while his aggressive ground game secures numerous submission victories. His strategic approach and adaptability make him a challenging opponent in the Light Heavyweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Krylov’s significant career moments are his UFC debut, his Fight Nights Global Light Heavyweight title win, and his knockout victory over Alexander Gustafsson, which earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. His career includes over 30 professional wins, showcasing his longevity and competitiveness in MMA.
Nikita Andreyevich Krylov Career Wins
Throughout his career, Nikita Krylov has accumulated over 30 professional wins across multiple MMA organizations. His victories include knockouts, submissions, and decisions, reflecting his well-rounded fighting style and ability to finish fights in various ways.
UFC Highlights
Krylov has secured notable wins in the UFC, including a rapid TKO over Walt Harris and a submission victory against Ovince Saint Preux in their rematch. His knockout of Alexander Gustafsson stands out as a career highlight. Krylov continues to compete at a high level within the UFC Light Heavyweight rankings.
Other Wins & Performances
Outside the UFC, Krylov has achieved success in Fight Nights Global and other regional promotions. He won the Fight Nights Global Light Heavyweight title and has multiple first-round finishes, demonstrating his finishing ability and dominance at the regional level.
Nikita Andreyevich Krylov Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Krylov was born into an ethnic Russian family in Ukraine. His father was a successful Kyokushin karate competitor, influencing Krylov’s early martial arts training and passion for combat sports.
Personal Life
Krylov studied at the Donetsk Law Institute and is nicknamed “The Miner” in honor of his hometown’s mining heritage. He openly supports Donbass separatism and relocated to Moscow, Russia, where he currently resides and trains. Krylov holds Russian citizenship and continues to represent Russia in his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Krylov remains an active competitor in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. He faced Dominick Reyes at UFC 314, suffering a first-round knockout loss, and later lost to Bogdan Guskov by technical knockout. Krylov is scheduled to fight Modestas Bukauskas at UFC 324 in January 2026, aiming to rebound and maintain his position in the division.
Throughout the season, Krylov has demonstrated resilience despite setbacks, continuing to challenge top contenders. His training at Vale Tudo MMA Academy and experience position him for potential future success as he seeks to improve and climb the rankings.