Nikita Krylov details fight-day illness that forced him out of main event vs. Ryan Spann

LAS VEGAS – For the first time in his UFC career, Nikita Krylov was forced to withdraw from the competition, but is now ready to go in two weeks.

At UFC Fight Night 220, Krylov (29-9 MMA, 10-7 UFC) was scheduled to headline alongside Ryan Spann at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Krylov’s 18th fight with the promotion was supposed to be his first main event, but an illness on the day of the fight forced him to pull out just hours before the fight with Spann (21-7 MMA, 7-2 UFC).

Both fighters got to the fight site on the day of the fight, but there was no fight. The couple met from behind and exchanged short words before parting ways.

“He was a little disappointed, but that’s health, you know?” Krylov told reporters at a media day on Wednesday about his interactions with Spann.

Krylov reported that the illness was likely caused by a meal he ate on the eve of a scheduled fight that contained stale eggs.

“We don’t have a refrigerator in the hotel,” Krylov said. “I ate on Friday evening. On Saturday morning I eat, and after 90 minutes, maybe two hours, I feel (become) bad. My temperature keeps higher, I feel a little discomfort inside. We came to Apex and worked with the doctor. He gave me one pill. After another pill, we tried everything I can to fight, but I can’t do it.”

Considering the circumstances of the cancellation and how quickly Krylov recovered from his illness, the fight was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 221 in just two weeks.

Although the enemy is the same, other details have changed; some for the better, some for the worse.

Fight City is still Las Vegas, but the venue is the Theater at Virgin Hotels, where there will be more fans to watch the action. Krylov no longer faces Spann in the main event, which means 10 minutes less fight if he goes the distance. But in order for both fighters to be able to turn around quickly to make the fight happen, the light heavyweights won’t cut down to 205 pounds but will instead meet at 215 pounds.

“Theoretically it looks (it) is better, but for me (would) be better (would be) to have my first main event and show a great fight,” said Krylov. “But what is, is. I am happy and thank God for everything that happened to me, and I am ready to fight this Saturday.”

To learn more about the card, visit the MMA Junkie event center to UFC Fight Night 221.

The story originally appeared on MMA Junkie.