Derrick Lewis may not be the most aesthetically pleasing fighter to the eye, but when it comes to putting people’s lights out, there is no one who does the job better than the ‘Black Beast’. The UFC heavyweight pulled off an upset (rankings-wise) at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs Lewis after knocking out Curtis Blaydes in the second round with a vicious uppercut.
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Heading into the fight, Lewis was an underdog. The first round justified the same as Blaydes found his range and slipped under the majority of the punches over his opponent. However, when he shot for a takedown in the second, Lewis reminded him of the dynamite that he possesses in his gloves. The uppercut from the number four ranked Lewis was so vicious that it took ‘Razor’ a significant time before he could regain consciousness.
While Lewis moved second all-time in UFC heavyweight wins, Twitter went berserk after watching him putting Blaydes’ light out. Notable UFC names such as Daniel Cormier, Francis Ngannou, and Jorge Masvidal among others reacted to the KO.
Curtis went straight into this one👀, after all the setup he did.#UFCVegas19
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) February 21, 2021
Yoooooooo the black beast is a cheat code wtf
— U R I A H H A L L (@UriahHallMMA) February 21, 2021
Whoa @Thebeast_ufc never doubted #UFCFightNight
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) February 21, 2021
Wow boom 💥
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) February 21, 2021
I didn’t give Derrick Lewis much of a chance in this fight but daaaamn he proved me wrong!
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) February 21, 2021
He ok
— Chito Vera (@chitoveraUFC) February 21, 2021
OMG HTOWN STAND UP. The Black Beast is a bad man #UFCVegas19
— Carlos Correa (@TeamCJCorrea) February 21, 2021
Never vocalized it but I’ve always been a big Derrick Lewis fan.
Anytime he wins is a fun night for fight fans. #UFCVegas19— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) February 21, 2021
That uppercut was breakfast, lunch and dinner served. Popeyes style my guy. #UFCVegas19
— Johnny Muñoz (@KidKvenbo) February 21, 2021
The Black Beast!!!!!! @Thebeast_ufc has the most power ever
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) February 21, 2021
Las Vegas police escorting Derrick Lewis out of the Apex facility after committing first degree murder on live television:#UFCVegas19 pic.twitter.com/qRKbVofPPA
— MacMally🍀 (@MacMallyMMA) February 21, 2021
Does the knockout bring Derrick Lewis closer to a title shot?
The win over Blaydes makes it four straight wins for Lewis in the heavyweight division. With the heavyweight title fight set for next month between Francis Ngannou and Stipe Miocic, Lewis could fancy his chances to fight the winner of the UFC 260 main event in the future. However, the obvious hurdle in his way is Jon Jones.
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 20: (L-R) Derrick Lewis punches Curtis Blaydes in a heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 20, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
As the former UFC light heavyweight champion made his way to heavyweight, Dana White has already confirmed that he is the next one in line. Hence, ‘The Black Beast’ might have to grab another win or two to stay active before his second shot at UFC gold.
Lewis has challenged former champion, Daniel Cormier for the title before. However, he ended up losing in a lopsided fashion. Since then, Lewis hasn’t necessarily been the most improved fighter, but he has racked up wins over notable names.
Even though the UFC brass seems fixed upon giving Jon Jones a title shot in his very first fight, a fight against a proven contender such as Lewis could prove to be the perfect first test for ‘Bones’.
VIDEO: Lethal Uppercut From Derrick Lewis Knocks Curtis Blaydes Out Cold at UFC Vegas 19
