Light heavyweight veteran Ovince St. Preux (23-12, 11 KOs, 7 SUBs) will meet Nikita Krylov (24-6, 10 KOs, 15 SUBs) at UFC 236 on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The main card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10pm ET.
In Nikita Krylov’s first UFC stint, the Ukrainian mustered a 6-3 record between 2013-2016 - a solid but unspectacular stint that includes wins over Ed Herman and Marcos Rogerio de Lima but losses to Ovince St. Preux, Soa Palelei and Misha Cirkunov. Instead of re-signing with the UFC, Krylov chose to go overseas to Fight Nights Global, where he scored four straight finishes against lesser competition.
The winning streak led him back to the big show, but his return didn’t go so well - Krylov was submitted by Jan Blachowicz this past September. But he could bounce back and avenge an earlier loss this Saturday when he meets Ovince St. Preux in Atlanta.
St. Preux is a gatekeeper at this point in his career, but there’s no shame in being the guy you have to beat to get to the guys at the top of the division. As a fighter who has fought the likes of Shogun Rua, Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira, OSP is one of the most experienced light heavyweights on the roster. Beating him still means something - look what it did for Ilir Latifi and Dominick Reyes.
I think we’re all hoping for the 27-year old Krylov to ascend in a division that sorely needs young elite talent. But there’s also the very real possibility that he’s reached his ceiling. Either way, he’s in a better position to beat OSP then he was when they first met in 2014.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your best online betting options. Live UFC betting is also available between rounds during the fight, just in case you want to hedge any of your previous plays.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Ovince St. Preux -115
Nikita Krylov -115
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: +230 / -290
Significant Striking Stats
Landed per minute: OSP 2.6 / Krylov 5.59
Accuracy: OSP 43% / Krylov 58%
Absorbed per minute: OSP 3.95 / Krylov 2.62
Defense: OSP 44% / Krylov 45%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: OSP 0.88 / Krylov 0.62
Takedown accuracy: OSP 29% / Krylov 28%
Takedown defense: OSP 66% / Krylov 40%
Submission average: OSP 0.44 / Krylov 1.86
Bet this fight at BookMaker.eu
Ovince St. Preux is a difficult fighter to bet on - we just don’t know which guy will show up at this point. As streaky as they come, OSP will look lethargic and cooked during losing streaks, then all of a sudden pull out a quick win over a solid competitor to keep his name in the rankings.
The physical tools have always been there. Big even by divisional standards, the former collegiate defensive lineman is flexible and powerful. On the feet, he’s never been a flow striker, instead relying on heavy kicks and single power shots to hurt opponents and set up finishing sequences. He is most dangerous on the mat, where he uses his strength and size to notch unexpected submissions. The shoulder choke is one that a lot of guys don’t see coming.
Krylov is a former heavyweight that retained his knockout power at 205, and slimming down has appeared to help improve his cardio. Still, polarizing performances have left most people wondering just how good (or bad) he is. He is still extremely susceptible to high-level grapplers, but is usually able to do enough damage with his fists to prevent having to roll for extended periods of time.
UFC Odds Pick: St. Preux to win at -115
There was some hope that Krylov’s run outside the UFC was a sign that he turned a corner. But in his return against Blachowicz, the same problems resurfaced. Going into a matchup with St. Preux without excellent submission defense is a bad idea. While OSP will have some rocky moments, he should be able to find a way to win. If you’re feeling frisky, take him to win by a submission.
Bet on UFC odds online at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC 236 takes place on on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The main card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10pm ET.
