UFC 236 live blog: Ovince Saint Preux vs. Nikita Krylov 2

This is the UFC 236 live blog for Ovince Saint Preux vs. Nikita Krylov, a light heavyweight bout at Saturday’s UFC event at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

Saint Preux, a one-time interim light heavyweight title contender who has won four of his last six fights, faces Krylov, who is 0-1 in his second stint with the UFC so far and has never gone to a decision in 30 professional contests, on the main card.

Check out the UFC 236 live blog below.

Round 1: OSP comes out trying to control the center of the cage but Krylov is not having it, and pressuring aggressively. OSP secures a blast double against the fence but is unable to keep Krylov down. Early on and Krylov has gone for multiple guillotines but lets go when OSP secures the takedown. Clearly he learned his lesson from their first fight. A lot of clinch battling now from the over/under position and OSP once again gets a takedown but Krylov is back to his feet.

The boo birds have come out as the fight stays about clinch positioning. Krylov goes for a takedown but OSP uses a whizzer to reverse and finally gets his opponent on the mat in the center of the cage. OSP moves to mount and is hammering elbows but Krylov defends and escapes to his feet! Now Krylov is landing knees and OSP takes a deep breath. It’s been a grueling round so far and there is still a minute to go. The rest of the round is spent against the cage and Krylov lands a glancing head kick just before the bell.

MMAFighting scores the round 10-9 for Krylov.

Round 2: Krylov starts round two with a number of kicks and they are landing. Then “The Miner” lands a big left hand that snaps OSP’s head back and forces him to shoot for a takedown. More clinch work but OSP is having a hard time getting Krylov to the ground and now Krylov gets OSP down and moves to mount! OSP gives up his back and Krylov is chipping away and looking for an opening. Krylov gets an arm under the chin but it’s not fully locked in. He adjusts and gets the tap! Nikita Krylov gets his revenge by choking out Ovince Saint Preux!

Official result: Nikita Krylov submits Ovince Saint Preux with a rear-naked choke at 2:30 round 2.