An intriguing light heavyweight bout as well as an interesting bantamweight bout are among the latest additions to upcoming UFC cards, and I’ll give my thoughts on these new bouts in today’s MMA odds and ends.
Nikita Krylov vs. Jan Blachowicz, UFC Fight Night 136
A light heavyweight fght between Nikita Krylov and Jan Blachowicz will take place at UFC Fight Night 136, which takes place Saturday, September 15 at Olympic Stadium in Moscow, Russia. The UFC has officially confirmed the fight. Krylov (24-5) has gone on a tear since being released by the UFC following a submission loss to Misha Cirkunov at UFC 206. Since then, the 26-year-old Ukraine native is a perfect 4-0 with four finishes including a brutal knockout over Fabio Maldonado in his last fight. Overall, Krylov has won nine of his last 10 fights with all of his career wins coming by stoppage. Blachowicz (22-7) is fighting at his best right now as he’s won three straight fights including a huge win over Jimi Manuwa in his last fight. Although Blachowicz is a solid fighter who is improving, I really think Krylov has all the tools to make a run for the UFC light heavyweight title, and I like him to win this fight.
Renan Barao vs. Andre Ewell, UFC Fight Night 137
A bantamweight bout between Renan Barao and Andre Ewell is set for UFC Fight Night 137, which is scheduled to take place Saturday, September 22 at Ginasio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The bout was first reported by Combate. Barao (34-6, 1 NC) is currently on a rough skid as he’s lost four of his last five fights including a decision loss to Brian Kelleher in his last fight. It sure seems like Barao’s best days are well behind him and considering his current form it’s amazing he was considered one of the best fighters i the world just a couple of years ago. Ewell (13-4) has won four straight fights on the regional circuit and nine of his last 10 overall in order to get the call up to the UFC. Crazy enough, his pro career began in 2015, which is about the time Barao’s decline started. Even though Ewell is making his UFC debut and even though he really hasn’t fought anyone notable aside from Willie Gates, I still think you have to continue to fade Barao. There’s no way I could ever pick Barao at this point and I’m hoping Ewell is a decent-sized underdog.
