In a catch weight bout on the main card, Nikita Krylov battles Ryan Spann Saturday at UFC Fight Night 221 — also known as UFC Vegas 71 — at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC Fight Night 221: Krylov vs. Spann odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.
The fight is on ESPN+ with the prelims starting at 3 p.m. ET and the main card beginning at 6 p.m. ET.
Krylov and Spann were expected to tangle at UFC Fight Night 220, but an illness to Krylov forced him out. The fighter said he believed that a meal that contained eggs the night before the fight likely contributed to his illness.
Spann was reportedly disappointed, but the good news is that the 2 fighters were rebooked for Vegas. The bad news is that this was to be a main event battle at UFC Fight Night 220, and now it’s a main card battle with 2 fewer rounds.
Krylov has picked up 2 wins since his most recent setback in March 2022. He posted a 1st-round knockout of Alexander Gustafsson in just 67 seconds in July 2022, bouncing back from a submission loss to Paul Craig. Krylov followed that up with a unanimous-decision win over Volkan Oezdemir last time out in late October.
Spann scored a 1st-round KO/TKO of Dominick Reyes at UFC 281 in November. He also had a Round 1 submission finish against Ion Cutelaba prior to that in May 2022, showing his versatility. He can do it with his punching power, or do it with his wrestling ability if need be. Spann hasn’t been to the 2nd Round in 5 straight fights, winning 3 times.
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UFC Fight Night 221: Krylov vs. Spann odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:21 a.m. ET.
- Fight result (2-way line): Krylov -170 (bet $170 to win $100) | Spann +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
- Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over +135 | Under -170)
- Will the fight go the distance? Yes (+300) | No (-500)
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UFC Fight Night 221: Krylov vs. Spann picks and predictions
Records: Krylov (29-9-0) | Spann (21-7-0)
Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)
SPANN (+145) is a solid value play as a moderate ‘dog. He has a chip on his shoulder after being prepared 2 weeks ago only to have the fight pushed back.
Spann also has three 1st-round stoppage wins in his past 4 fights, with a 1st-round submission loss to Anthony Smith on Sept. 18, 2021. Win or lose, Spann doesn’t go very deep into fights.
Krylov does have a solid 4.45-to-3.42 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, and he is more accurate. However, Spann has been a KO/TKO winner on a regular basis and he’ll get it done — especially if he can keep this fight upright.
Over/Under (O/U)
No (-500): Fight to go the distance is way too expensive, costing you 5 times your potential return.
Spann hasn’t even been to the 2nd Round in 5 straight fights. It’s best to avoid the Over/Under altogether.
Instead, it’s a solid idea to pick METHOD OF VICTORY: SPANN BY TKO/KO (+310) for a chance to multiply your initial wager by more than 3 times. Three of Spann’s last 6 victories came via knockout, so that’s the best play.
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