10 Questions for Nikita Krylov

Nikita Krylov was the first Ukrainian fighter to sign a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but the fairytale was replaced by cold reality when UFC President Dana White criticized his organizational debut. It came at UFC 164, where he was stopped on punches in the third round of his battle with Soa Palelei. “You better not ask me about this fight,” White said. “I am ashamed of it. Both fighters looked half-hearted and tired during the very first minute, and both of them did not show anything. MMA fans should not see such s— in the UFC. It was really embarrassing. What do you think will happen next with these guys in the heavyweight division?” Despite White’s disgust, Krylov was given another chance to prove himself inside the Octagon; and he made the most of it. He knocked out Walt Harris with a head kick in 25 seconds at UFC on Fox 10 and then moved to the light division. The 24-year-old has gone 3-1 since, losing only to Ovince St. Preux. Krylov will return to the cage at UFC Fight Night “Overeem vs. Arlovski” on Sunday, when he faces Francimar Barroso at Ahoy Rotterdam in Rotterdam, Netherlands. In this exclusive interview with Sherdog.com, Krylov discusses his rough start in the UFC, his forthcoming clash with Barroso and the possibility of someday returning to the heavyweight division:Sherdog.com: White sharply criticized your UFC debut against Palelei. What does he say about your performances now? Krylov: Yes, I was not, to put it mildly, pleased by the reports on that fight, but everything has changed now. Dana congratulates me with a smile after each …

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