This weekend is the first UFC event of February. Headlined by two incredible knockout titans in, Derrick Lewis and Sergei Spivak. Both fighters were to fight each other last November, but due to an undisclosed medical issue, Lewis pulled out on fight day. In this article, I’ll be breaking down five keys to winning for Derrick Lewis.
Derrick Lewis has Unrivalled Power
Lewis is the holder of the most knockouts in the UFC, regardless of weight division. Thirteen knockouts are rather special, don’t you think? Lewis has that ‘nuclear option’ that every fighter dreams of having. Being able to win a fight with one punch after losing all rounds is truly a useful trait for Lewis to possess. Of course, Spivak has a lot of power as well, but Lewis has infinitely more. Having knocked out Curtis Blaydes, Alexander Volkov and Chris Daukaus.
Experience
Spivak is headlining this weekend for the first time, which is an amazing step in his career for him, but Derrick has not only headlined multiple events but also fought for the title on multiple occasions. Experience is always a crucial thing when it comes to two very competitive fighters. Whoever has the most experience always plays a dividend part is about. Lewis has fought for the belt twice, once against Daniel Cormier and again for interim gold against Cyril Gane.
A Running Mans Game
Lewis may not be known for his cardio but It shouldn’t be doubted as he’s trained for multiple main events and title fights. Lewis has never gone the full 5 rounds but neither has Spivak. Nor has Spivak trained for a 5 round fight either. As well as recent photos and footage of Lewis seen running and apparently sliming down as well so it could last longer than we think.
The God of Mischiev
Well known for how entertaining he is in and outside of the octagon, I want to cast your mind back to Lewis’s fight with Junior Dos Anjos in 2019, Dos Anjos lands a body shot and what does Lewis do? Curl over like any man would but as Dos Anjos rushes him, Lewis wings a terrifying hook at Dos Anjos seemingly trying to catch him off guard. Although Lewis lost that fight, his ability to look past pain and discomfort should not be overlooked.
Is Derrick Lewis a BJJ Wonder?
Believe it or not, Lewis has got a submission on his record despite the number of KOs he has. Over 12 years ago Lewis scored an armbar Rakim Cleveland at Worldwide Gladiator. The chances of Lewis scoring a submission are slim especially if you ask the odds man but despite that, you should never write anyone off as we know. Anything and everything can happen in this sport
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
