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Nikita Krylov: I left the UFC to become more famous in Russia
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MOSCOW – UFC light heavyweight Nikita Krylov admits his departure from the promotion this past year was about money.
After a loss to Misha Cirkunov at UFC 206, the numbers on a new contract offer were smaller than Krylov was willing to accept.
“Maybe because of my loss, and maybe because I was overestimating myself,” Krylov (24-5 MMA, 6-3 UFC), who on Saturday faces Jan Blachowicz (22-7 MMA, 5-4 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 136, told MMAjunkie via translator. “But I was living to come back, and I’m quite happy to be back now.”
Krylov previously has said the demands of constant overseas travel also played a part in his departure. Eventually, he grew weary of adjusting timezones and leaving his family to do so.
Now that he’s back, co-headlining an event close to his home in Ukraine, he couldn’t be happier.
“I left the UFC to become more famous in Russia, and right now is a dream coming back with an event in Moscow,” said Krylov, whose bout streams live on UFC Fight Pass at Olympic Stadium.
After fighting on the international circuit, Krylov is eager to make a splash at the top of the division.
“I’m pretty sure that whether (or not champion) Daniel Cormier is coming back, (myself) and (Blachowicz) are one of three people who will get the next title shot,” he said. “And I’m pretty sure that’s going to be me.”
Check out the interview with Krylov in the video above.
For more on UFC Fight Night 136, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
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