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 victory, although he does not seem to be in much of a hurry to give bonuses (laughs).

Sherdog.com: What has been your toughest challenge since joining the UFC?
Krylov: The most difficult thing was the first fight, both physically and mentally, but now, everything is all right and I’m gaining momentum. Being here, I have learned to believe in myself. The next fight will be the first fight on my third contract. Each contract is drawn up for four fights, but after the third fight, the UFC usually offers a new contract.

Sherdog.com: To what do you attribute your losses to St. Preux and Palelei?
Krylov: Both battles were debuts to some extent, so, as the old saying goes, “The first pancake is always lumpy.” I learned a lot from those fights. My lack of experience was the common theme in both fights.

Sherdog.com: Which of your fights made you the proudest?
Krylov: There is no such fight. I’m equally satisfied with each of my wins.

Sherdog.com: Only one of your first 23 fights has gone past the first round. Do you think you are prepared to go three rounds if the situation calls for it?
Krylov: I did it in training. I worked five five-minute rounds with five to eight sparring partners. However, during a fight, everything is different. It’s difficult for me to say without overcoming such a challenge first, but I think I’m ready for it.

Sherdog.com: Is it possible that you could someday return to the heavyweight division?
Krylov: I feel comfortable at light heavyweight so far and my weight isn’t sufficient for heavyweight right now, but that remains to be seen.

Sherdog.com: What do you know about Barroso and does he have anything in common with another Brazilian, Marcos Rogerio de Lima -- the man you submitted in August?
Krylov: I analyzed his most recent fights with head coach Alexander Sidorin and though about what would work best against him. I’m sure it will yield some results. He and de Lima are not that similar. De Lima has good striking technique, and you can’t say that about Barroso. His style is less spectacular. He often wins on points by keeping his opponent down on the ground or by pressing him against the cage.

Sherdog.com: Which famous fighters would you like to fight?
Krylov: I never think about it. My goal is the next opponent and to improve. I’m just starting to grow in this sport, and I hope I’ll have time to fight with all of its brightest stars.

Sherdog.com: Is there a particular MMA fight that you could watch over and over again?
Kyrlov: I want to see the spectacular side of MMA, so I can re-watch the fights where fighters are trying to win as soon as possible and not trying to take each other down. Mauricio Rua-Dan Henderson and Robbie Lawler-Rory MacDonald are the first fights that come to mind.

Sherdog.com: In your opinion, what does a mixed martial artist need in order to be successful?
Krylov: The main thing is faith in yourself, as well as hard work and perseverance. A fighter must remain a fighter 100 percent, down to the marrow in his bones.