Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov prediction, odds, pick for UFC Abu Dhabi

The UFC Abu Dhabi Fundamental Card is finally here on Saturday, and we’re set for a betting prediction and pick for the opening bout, going down within the Light Heavyweight (205) Division. No. 10-ranked Nikita Krylov of Russia will welcome Uzbekistan’s No. 13 Bogdan Guskov in what must be a wild fight. Check the UFC odds for our Krylov-Guskov prediction and pick.

Nikita Krylov (30-10) has gone 11-8 contained in the UFC since joining the roster in 2013. He recently improved his stock with three straight wins, two by finish coming against Alexander Gustafsson and Ryan Spann. He dropped his last bout against Dominick Reyes and hopes to return in a giant way. Krylov stands 6-foot-3 with a 77.5-inch reach.

Bogdan Guskov (17-3) is 3-1 in his UFC profession since entering in 2023. After looking flat during his debut fight, Guskov has notched three straight wins heading into this bout, highlighted by three finishes and two performance bonuses in the method. Look ahead to Guskov to be a live underdog. He stands 6-foot-3 with a 76-inch reach.

Listed below are the UFC Abu Dhabi Odds, courtesy of DraftKings. 

UFC Abu Dhabi odds: Nikita Krylov-Bogdan Guskov odds

Nikita Krylov: -198

Bogdan Guskov: +164

Over 1.5 rounds: +110

Under 1.5 rounds: -140

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Why Nikita Krylov will win

• Last Fight: (L) Dominick Reyes – KO (counter right, R1)
• Last 5: 3-2
• Finishes: 12 KO/TKO, 16 SUB

After notching three straight wins and effectively derailing Ryan Spann’s run at Light Heavyweight, Nikita Krylov faced the tough reality of Dominick Reyes’ right hand during his last fight.

It was just Krylov’s second profession knockout loss in 40 skilled fights, so it was actually a surprising sight watching the veteran get knocked out clean. Expect him to bounce back in a giant way, specializing in his defensive efforts and hungry to deal some punishment.

Nikita Krylov is certainly one of the few fights within the UFC that may walk down opponents and physically impose their will with no regard for what’s being thrown back at them. Krylov will walk through a barrage of punches and is supremely confident that his punches could have more effect when he’s in a position to land.

Striking with a small reach advantage, Krylov does job of dictating the gap and catching opponents’ strikes off-time together with his own counters. His ability to cut down the legs with kicks has also been a point of interest as of late, so expect one other well-rounded striking attack from Krylov on this one.

Why Bogdan Guskov will win

• Last Fight: (W) Billy Elekana – SUB (guillotine, R2)
• Last 5: 4-1
• Finishes: 14 KO/TKO, 3 SUB

Bogdan Guskov has been on fire over this latest winning streak, and it seems as if he’s fully settled in following the debut loss a number of years ago. Very similar to Krylov, Guskov has a knack for surviving chaotic exchanges and frequently coming away because the fighter landing rather more damage than his opponent.

His chin can be strong but not as weathered as Krylov’s, so expect him to confidently take a number of on the jaw simply to get his own offense off.

Guskov has used his front teep kick as a tool previously with a view to create distance between him and his opponent. He matches up well with Krylov from a physical standpoint and given the 2 have an analogous striking game as well should bode well for the fans watching as Guskov is not afraid of a scrap.

Guskov can be well-rounded on the bottom and an opportunist when he sees and opening for a submission attempt. Krylov is an analogous fighter in that sense, so there’s a powerful possibility we see the wrestling cancel out and these two just throw haymakers in the middle of the octagon. Either way, Guskov’s chin should delay higher at this point than Krylov’s.

Final Nikita Krylov-Bogdan Guskov prediction & pick

This might be an excellent fight to open the Fundamental Card motion given each fighters’ ability to throw caution to the wind and fight in a good range. While each men possess solid submission capabilities, this must be a fight that largely takes place on the feet as each men will look to land their offense.

While Nikita Krylov is the betting favorite here, the chances must be closer to a pick’em given the similarity between each fighters and their approach to every bout, which the whole under juiced as well. This fight must be a fast one given the ending capabilities of each side.

From there, we will barely side with Bogdan Guskov’s chin and consider that he can withstand more of a punch than his opponent on this one.

Final Nikita Krylov-Bogdan Guskov Prediction & Pick: Bogdan Guskov (+164)