‘The Black Beast’ Derrick Lewis returns this weekend at UFC Vegas 19 as he fights Curtis Blaydes in an enticing heavyweight clash. Many expect it to be a typical striker vs grappler match-up, as each fighter possesses expertise in different areas of their game. Blaydes is an elite wrestler; Lewis is one of the scariest knockout artists on the UFC roster.
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Lewis has the most knockout victories in the UFC heavyweight division. Despite having secured so many wins in this fashion, his last gasp knockout victory over Alexander ‘Drago‘ Volkov is still fresh in UFC fans’ memories. ‘The Black Beast’ fought the Russian at UFC 229.
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Joe Rogan was all of us when Derrick Lewis KO'd Alexander Volkov! 🤯
The Black Beast returns on Saturday at #UFCVegas19 pic.twitter.com/9hbmRKzH3W
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) February 16, 2021
Despite trailing Volkov on points, Lewis managed to knock the Russian out with one shot at the end of the fight with only 10 seconds left on the clock. It was a memorable come from behind win. Joe Rogan‘s reaction was quite similar to almost every spectator in the arena.
Derrick Lewis was way behind on the scorecards DEEP in the third round vs Alex Volkov…
What happened next was straight out of a 'Rocky' film 👊#UFC247pic.twitter.com/wHzfpav0NG
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) February 6, 2020
After his insane finish, Lewis provided one of the most memorable post-fight interviews. Despite being one of the scariest fighters in the octagon, ‘The Black Beast’ never fails to be entertaining on the mic. He never fails to crack people up with his choice of words.
But, it’s better not to underestimate him because of his antics, as one second of negligence from his opponent is all it takes to end proceedings. Blaydes has to stay sharp throughout the fight if he wants to grind out a win.
How does Derrick Lewis match up against Curtis Blaydes?
‘The Black Beast‘ is not as equipped with his grappling as he is with his striking. Also, cardio is not something Lewis can boast about. So, it’s not a mystery what sort of gameplan ‘Razor’ Blaydes will look to use in the fight. He could look to break the record he set for most UFC takedowns by a heavyweight.
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 08: Derrick Lewis reacts after his knockout over Aleksei Oleinik of Russia 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)
However, Lewis can sprawl and not get taken down. He can even get up if he is taken down. ‘The Black Beast’ has a fighter’s heart, as was evident from his come from behind win against Volkov.
The former title challenger is very agile for a man of his size, and ‘Razor‘ Blaydes will have to stay sharp for the full fight if he wants to come out victorious.
Who wins this weekend at UFC Vegas 19? Will ‘The Black Beast’ rise again?
