Oezdemir-Krylov set for UFC's Oct. 17 co-main event

A light heavyweight bout between Volkan Oezdemir and Nikita Krylov will serve as the co-main event of UFC Fight Night on Oct. 17 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the promotion announced Thursday.

Oezdemir, a former title challenger, is coming off a brutal knockout loss to Jiri Prochazka at UFC 251 in July. That defeat snapped a two-fight winning streak, which included a decision over Aleksandar Rakic and a finish of Ilir Latifi.

"No Time" faced Daniel Cormier for the 205-pound belt in January 2018 but lost via second-round TKO.

Krylov has alternated wins and losses over his past five contests. Most recently, he beat top prospect Johnny Walker at UFC Brasilia in March.

The 28-year-old holds other notable victories over Ovince Saint Preux and Walt Harris throughout his two runs in the UFC.

A pivotal featherweight clash between Brian Ortega and Chan Sung Jung will headline UFC Fight Night at Flash Forum.