There have been several knockouts thus far in 2021 that have managed to capture the attention of fight fans. However, it’s hard to top a heavyweight by virtue of the firepower that the big men of the UFC possess. Derrick Lewis’ demolition of Curtis Blaydes back in February takes the cake for 2021 Knockout of the Half Year.
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The knockout was the perfect storm for several reasons, one being the high-stakes nature of the bout itself. The headliner was a virtual title eliminator and the way in which Lewis landed a concussive blow sticks out in the minds of fans. Lewis landed a picturesque uppercut to Blaydes’ jaw as he was coming in and ‘Razor’ folded like a lawn chair.
Derrick Lewis with the massive uppercut KO of Curtis Blaydes! #UFCVegas19 pic.twitter.com/DXivd0KnKV
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) February 21, 2021
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Derrick Lewis asserts his dominance at heavyweight
The fight began with Curtis Blaydes taking control of the center and avoiding heavy bombs from Lewis early on. Blaydes came into the fight on a four-fight wins streak and was favored to put an absolute beating on Lewis. Additionally, he had pounded Alexander Volkov into the ground in his previous fight and fans expected more of the same.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 20: (L-R) Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes trade punches 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)
However, it’s impossible to prepare for the fight-ending power that Derrick Lewis carries in his right hand. Blaydes made a rather sloppy entry on his takedown and paid for it with his consciousness. Lewis added insult to injury by following up his uppercut with two powerful blows to his opponent who was flat on the canvas.
‘The Blackbeast’ has shown time and again that he carries knockout power deep into a fight. Not to mention, it’s his ability to explode on a dime that makes him a perennial threat at heavyweight for as long as he chooses to compete. Behind every shot is virtually unmatched firepower that can make even the best of fighters somewhat tentative.
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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)
UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou couldn’t help but take a step back when he battled Lewis in 2018. Even ‘The Predator’ was wary of Lewis’ power and the fight between two heavy hitters turned into a snooze fest. Now, Lewis will be looking to dismantle Ciryl Gane and claim the interim heavyweight title at UFC 265.
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