Champ Fabio Maldonado vs. Nikita Krylov headlines Fight Nights Global 87 in Brazil

The lineup is taking shape for Fight Nights Global’s first event in Brazil.

Fight Nights Global 87 takes place May 5 at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, and it streams at VK.com/fightnightsofficial.

The Russian promotion is using a Brazilian champion to headline its first Brazil event. Former UFC fighter and current FNG light-heavyweight titleholder Fabio Maldonado (24-11), a 38-year-old vet who won the vacant belt with a submission victory over Kurban Omarov in September, meets fellow UFC vet Nikita Krylov.

Krylov, who’s No. 12 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA light-heavyweight rankings, looks for his fourth straight victory since leaving the UFC. The 26-year-old Ukrainian left in 2016 on the strength of a 5-1 octagon run, and he’s now 8-1 overall – with eight stoppages – in his past nine fights.

Also on the card are lightweights Diego Brandao (22-12) vs. Felipe Froes (15-3-1) and welterweights Michael Graves (6-1) vs. Elias Silverio (13-3-1).

The latest Fight Night 87 card now includes:

• Champ Fabio Maldonado vs. Nikita Krylov – for light-heavyweight title
• Diego Brandao vs. Felipe Froes
• Michael Graves vs. Elias Silverio

For the latest on Fight Night 87, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.