Krylov (photo via Twitter / @AlCaponeMMA )

By FCF Staff

In the wake of Thiago Silva’s arrest, and subsequent release from the UFC, the promotion has announced that Nikita Krylov will step in for the light-heavyweight to face Ovince St. Preux. The bout will take place March 15th, at UFC 171, in Dallas, Texas.

Krylov (16-3) will make the move from heavyweight to light-heavyweight, not far removed from his quick, stoppage win over Walt Harris at UFC on FOX 10 in January. The Ukrainian fighter made his Octagon debut last August and was TKO’d by Soa Palelei.

St. Preux (14-5) is coming off a KO win over Cody Donovan in August, after earning a technical decision win over Gian Villante in his Octagon debut last April. The only man to defeat the Strikeforce vet in his last 10 fights is Gegard Mousasi.

UFC 171 will be hosted by the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and will feature Robbie Lawler taking on Johny Hendricks for the vacant welterweight title.