Nikita Krylov and Ryan Spann are looking to place themselves in the light heavyweight title conversation when they square off this weekend.

It has been a rollercoaster of a few months in the light heavyweight division after champion Jiri Porchazka vacated his belt following a serious shoulder injury.

Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev met for the vacant strap, but neither claimed the gold as they fought to a split draw in December.

Jamahal Hill and Glover Teixeira were next up in January and the former earned a unanimous decision win to become the new champion of the division.

Prochazka is expected to return later this year and will be given the chance to reclaim the title but, in the meantime, there are several ranked contenders looking to cement their shot.

Krylov and Spann both fall into that category but only the winner of Sunday's bout will have a strong claim in the months to come.

#6 ranked Krylov, priced at 10/17 To Win, has won successive fights to rebuild his reputation after a 1-3 run - losing to Teixeira, Ankalaev and Paul Craig in that sequence.

Spann, who is 7/5 To Win, is ranked #8 in the division following successive victories of his own in 2022. The American has only lost two of his 10 fights since signing for the UFC, but this weekend's assignment is arguably his biggest to date.

What	Nikita Krylov v Ryan Spann - Vegas 70
Where	UFC Apex, Enterprise, Nevada, USA
When	22:00, Saturday 25th February 2023
How to watch	BT Sport 2
Odds	Nikita Krylov 10/17, Ryan Spann 7/5

When is Nikita Krylov v Ryan Spann - Vegas 70?

The fight is scheduled to take place on Sunday 26th February.

What time is Nikita Krylov v Ryan Spann - Vegas 70?

The preliminary card gets underway at 22:00 on Saturday 25th February and the main card is due to begin at 00:00, with Krylov and Spann expected to walk to the octagon at around 02:00.

Where is Nikita Krylov v Ryan Spann - Vegas 70?

The UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada plays host to the card.

The Apex is a purpose-built arena owned by the UFC and has hosted live events since May 2020, with Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns headlining the maiden card.

There were 20 Fight Night cards at the Apex in 2022 but UFC president Dana White has suggested they will look to stage events around the United States and across the rest of the world on a more regular basis this year.

Last weekend's Andrade vs Blanchfield - Vegas 69 card was hosted at the Apex.

Can I watch Nikita Krylov v Ryan Spann - Vegas 70?

Yes. Both the preliminary card and main card are available to watch on BT Sport 2.

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Who is the favourite for Nikita Krylov v Ryan Spann - Vegas 70?

Krylov is the 10/17 favourite To Win as he seeks a third win on the bounce. Spann, available at 7/5 To Win is also looking for a hat-trick of victories.

Are there any belts on the line for Nikita Krylov v Ryan Spann - Vegas 70?

No. There aren't any belts on the line, but victory for either fighter this weekend puts them firmly in the mix for a shot potentially later this year.

What is Nikita Krylov's record?

38 fights, 29 wins (12 KOs), 9 defeats.

What is Ryan Spann's record?

28 fights, 21 wins (6 KOs), 7 defeats.

Who is on the undercard for Nikita Krylov v Ryan Spann - Vegas 70?

Main card:
Andre Muniz v Brendan Allen
Augusto Sakai v Don'Tale Mayes
Tatiana Suarez v Montana De La Rosa
Mike Malott v Yohan Lainesse

Preliminary card:
Jasmine Jasudavicius v Gabriella Fernandes
Jordan Leavitt v Victor Martinez
Joe Solecki v Carl Deaton III
Ode' Osbourne v Charles Johnson
Rafael Alves v Nurollo Aliev
Hailey Cowan v Ailin Perez
Garrett Armfield v Jose Johnson
Erick Gonzalez v Trevor Peek