Nikita Krylov grinded out a unanimous decision victory over Johnny Walker on the mat tonight at UFC Fight Night 170.
Round One:
Walker with a front kick. Krylov lands a punch. Walker tries for a flying knee, but it doesn’t pay off and Krylov gets into the clinch.
Walker pressing Krylov into the clinch now. Both men looking to land punches and then Krylov reverses the clinch position and tries to work a takedown.
Walker fends that off for now, but Krylov again going for it and Walker lands some elbows to the head as he defends this.
Finally Krylov gets him down, but Walker is on his knees and trying to get back up. Short punches from Walker as Krylov hooks one of his legs to keep him down.
Not too much happening as Walker continues to try to find the opportunity to stand and Krylov lands short punches.
Finally Walker stands and Krylov lands an elbow. Now Walker lands a hard elbow of his own and they go back to striking range.
Big right hand from Krylov and Walker is backing up, but then connects with a spinning backfist. Krylov takes it though and then is able to land a takedown.
Krylov working in his full guard for now, but then manages to move close to side control, but then settles into half guard to land a few strikes in the final seconds of the round.
Round Two:
Krylov presses forward and lands a couple of nice punches and then scores a takedown. Walker looking tired, but does lands a few elbows there.
Body punches from Krylov as Walker has his back against the cage looking to stand. Krylov trying hard to keep him down.
Half guard position now and Krylov in control and landing some punches without really throwing much into them. Krylov is a well established finisher though, so that could change at any time.
However, Walker tries to work a triangle choke, but nothing doing this time. Walker sits up, but Krylov quickly puts him flat on his back again.
Less than 90 seconds to go and Walker manages to get a reversal and is now on top. There’s a bit of a scramble now as Krylov tries to work for a leg lock. He continues to try to work on this, but then Walker is able to roll out of it.
Walker on top and landing a few hard blows now. Krylov rolls into a kneebar attempt, but again Walker escapes and lands some more punishing blows as the round ends.
Round Three:
Walker breathing hard as the round begins, but both are unfamiliar with fights going this long.
Front kick from Krylov backs Walker up and then he tries to fire back with an elbow. Krylov looking for a takedown now, but it’s Walker who ends up on top.
Walker in half guard and looks to get into full mount. He steps over and manages to do just that, but soon after Krylov is able to get a crucial reversal and now it’s him working from top position. Walker gets him to full guard.
Walker landing light shots from his back and Krylov with an occasional strike of his own. Both men running low on energy though.
Walker tries to lock up an armbar, but Krylov steers clear and is now working from half guard.
Not too much happening, but in the final minute Krylov lands some big elbows. Now a knee to the body from him, but no sign of a late surge to find a finish.
Decision:
No doubt about the winner here as Krylov dispensed with his usual mission to finish fights as early as possible and instead opted to grind out a win on the mat against Walker, earning a unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2) for his troubles.
