The recent UFC on ABC 9 event in Abu Dhabi was remembered by fans primarily for a brief yet spectacular heavyweight showdown in which promising Uzbek fighter Bogdan Guskov reaffirmed his reputation as one of the division’s most explosive finishers. From the opening seconds it became clear that Nikita Krylov was facing a serious threat: Guskov immediately claimed the center of the Octagon, forced a high-paced exchange, and soon dispatched his opponent by technical knockout.
Rapid Finish in Abu Dhabi
The bout lasted less than five minutes — the referee waved it off when the Russian could no longer intelligently defend himself against the barrage of blows. The tempo set by the Uzbek athlete prevented Krylov from imposing grappling or dragging the fight into the clinch: every attempt to settle at distance met with a stinging jab or a deliberately precise cross.
Cold Statistics
The defeat marked Krylov’s second in a row and the eleventh of his career, whereas for Guskov the victory was his fourth straight. Across five appearances under the UFC banner, the native of Uzbekistan has compiled an impressive record of four wins against a single loss, with every victory coming inside the distance. Such numbers are striking even in the always-competitive light-heavyweight field.
Future Prospects for the Uzbek Knockout Artist
Even before stepping into the cage, Bogdan was already entrenched in the Top 15 rankings, and the emphatic finish only solidified his standing. Pundits suggest that the next step could be a clash with a Top-10 contender — perhaps a seasoned veteran whose name would open the door to title ambitions. After the fight, Guskov stated he is ready to accept any challenge as early as this autumn and remains determined to chase the UFC light-heavyweight belt.
