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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 08: Derrick Lewis prepares to fight Aleksei Oleinik in their heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 08, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 08: Derrick Lewis prepares to fight Aleksei Oleinik in their heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 08, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
An intriguing UFC middleweight title rematch between reigning champion Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker will headline UFC 271. Besides that, fans are also impatiently waiting for the co-main event of the night, as two fan favorites, Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa, will finally lock their horns.
In the pre-fight press conference of UFC 271, Derrick Lewis gave his prediction of the fight.
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Lewis said, “I’m coming to knock his a** out.” Though Lewis also showed distinction towards his opponents, he added, “With the utmost respect, though, I respect that man, but I’m coming to knock him out with the utmost respect.”
Even Tuivasa enjoyed the answer. He responded, “I’m coming to do the same thing, bro.”
“Let’s swang and bang then, no more talking,” said Lewis, to which Tuivasa said, “Let’s go.”
The Houston fans in attendance were enjoying themselves throughout the exchange. The pop for these two heavyweights was grand. Though many expected the fans to go hard on Tuivasa, they showed love to the ‘Bam Bam‘ as well.
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Who has the power advantage: Tai Tuivasa or Derrick Lewis?
The Houston native has the most knockouts (13) in the UFC. He is coming off a knockout win over elite fighter in Chris Daukas. Whereas his opponent, Tuivasa, is currently on a four-fight knockout streak.
As it is a heavyweight fight, a knockout is usually what the fans expect. The first one to land the punch will have the power advantage. Furthermore, both the fighters stated the fight will not go past one round.
Though two heavyweights with knockout power colliding can sometimes cause a hesitant fight, as we have seen in the Francis Ngannou versus Derrick Lewis fight.
Regardless, the fight is much expected and the crowd during the walkouts will make a huge pop for both the fighters.
Who will stand his ground in the co-main at UFC 271? Let us know in the comments section below.
WATCH THIS STORY – Stats and Records for Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa Fight
