UFC 314: Volkanovski vs. Lopes - Nikita Krylov Battles Dominick Reyes in Light Heavyweight Clash

On April 12, 2025, UFC 314 will ignite the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, featuring a compelling light heavyweight main card matchup between the dangerous Ukrainian Nikita Krylov and the former title challenger Dominick Reyes. Both fighters are looking to make a statement in the 205-pound division and climb back into title contention.

 

Fighter Backgrounds

Nikita Krylov

Nikita "The Miner" Krylov (30-9-0), representing Raty Team in Ukraine, is a seasoned veteran known for his finishing instincts. Krylov boasts a high finishing rate with 12 wins by (T)KO and 16 by submission, making him a threat wherever the fight goes. He is looking to build on his recent successes and establish himself as a force in the light heavyweight division.

Dominick Reyes

Dominick "The Devastator" Reyes (14-4-0), fighting out of Joe Stevenson's Cobra Kai in the USA, is a former title challenger known for his explosive knockout power. Reyes has secured nine of his fourteen wins via (T)KO and has faced some of the top names in the light heavyweight division. He is aiming to return to his winning ways and make another run at the title.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Nikita Krylov

• Dangerous Finisher: Krylov has a knack for finishing fights, with a near-even split between knockout and submission victories.
• Aggressive Style: He tends to be forward-moving and looks to impose his will on his opponents from the start.
• Well-Rounded Skillset: Krylov is comfortable both on the feet and on the ground, making him a versatile threat.

Dominick Reyes

• Knockout Power: Reyes possesses significant knockout power in his hands, capable of ending fights with a single strike.
• Southpaw Stance: His southpaw stance can present a unique challenge for orthodox opponents.
• Explosive Athlete: Reyes is known for his athleticism and ability to generate power quickly.

Recent Performances

Nikita Krylov

Krylov is currently on a three-fight winning streak. His most recent victory was a first-round submission win over Ryan Spann in March 2023. Prior to that, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Volkan Oezdemir in October 2022 and a first-round knockout win against Alexander Gustafsson in July 2022.

Dominick Reyes

Reyes is coming off a second-round knockout victory over Anthony Smith in December 2024, snapping a four-fight losing streak. Before that, he secured a first-round knockout win against Dustin Jacoby in June 2024. His losses have come against top contenders and former champions in the division.

Odds and Betting Information

Fighter	Odds
Nikita Krylov	-190
Dominick Reyes	+160

Nikita Krylov enters this matchup as the favorite at -190, while Dominick Reyes is the underdog with odds of +160.

Keys to Victory

Nikita Krylov

• Utilize Well-Rounded Game: Krylov should look to mix up his striking and grappling to keep Reyes guessing and exploit any openings.
• Pressure Reyes: Krylov's aggressive style could disrupt Reyes' rhythm and prevent him from setting up his power shots.
• Look for Early Finish: With his high finishing rate, Krylov will likely look to end the fight early, either on the feet or on the ground.

Dominick Reyes

• Utilize Knockout Power: Reyes' primary path to victory is to land a clean power shot and secure a knockout.
• Control Distance: Reyes needs to use his reach and movement to keep Krylov at bay and create opportunities for his strikes.
• Defend Takedowns: Preventing Krylov from taking the fight to the ground will be crucial for Reyes to utilize his striking advantage.

Prediction