Revealed on 19 Nov 2022 12:07 am (UK Time)
In December of 2021, Derrick Lewis defeated Chris Daukaus by knockout, turning into the UFC’s all-time chief in knockout victories within the course of. Within the post-fight interviews, Lewis said that having the file was good nevertheless it wasn’t his principal objective; he nonetheless had his sights set on turning into the UFC’s Heavyweight Champion. Sadly, issues haven’t gone as deliberate for “The Black Beast” in 2022. Two defeats by knockout this yr have solid doubts on his capacity to win a title, particularly at age 37. At UFC Vegas 65, towards Sergey Spivak, Lewis will get an opportunity to remind the world why he’s nonetheless thought-about a championship contender. There’s quite a bit to unpack right here; with out additional ado, let’s get into it!
Lewis vs. Spivak
After profitable the Legacy FC Heavyweight Championship in 2012, and having one profitable title protection in 2013, Derrick Lewis was referred to as as much as essentially the most famend combined martial arts group on this planet. Since becoming a member of the group, he’s had one shot on the Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Championship and one shot on the Interim Title. Sadly, he got here up brief each instances. After losses at UFC 271 in February and UFC 277 in July, Lewis is seeking to bounce again and show he’s nonetheless among the many elite heavyweights on this planet.
27-year-old Moldovan Heavyweight Sergey Spivak has gained 5 out of his final six fights and has climbed to twelfth within the UFC’s divisional rankings. As soon as upon a time, he was the heavyweight champion of the WWFC group, efficiently defending his belt twice earlier than being referred to as upon to hitch the UFC’s roster. He has wins towards notable fighters like Tai Tuivasa and Greg Hardy; it appears to be solely a matter of time earlier than he will get a title shot. On Saturday, octagon veteran Derrick Lewis will try to make him wait just a bit whereas longer.
Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba
Standing 6’5″ and weighing 205 kilos, Kennedy Nzechukwu is constructed like a basketball capturing guard. Rising up in Nigeria, Nzechukwu didn’t relocate to The USA till he was eighteen-years-old. If he’d spent his whole life in a Western nation, he almost definitely would have been a Fútbol goalie within the skilled ranks as a substitute of a combined martial artist. Nonetheless, he has amassed a good file of seven wins and three losses since turning into an expert in 2016. Whereas he’s nonetheless not ranked within the mild heavyweight division, he’s solely 30-years-old and nonetheless has time to depart an indelible impression on the game.
5 out of the final six of Ion Cutelaba’s most up-to-date octagon appearances have resulted in a loss or a draw. He’s revered for the years of expertise he brings with him each time he performs; Cutelaba’s professional debut occurred ten years in the past in 2012. Within the WWFC he was a dominant power, profitable seven consecutive fights earlier than becoming a member of the UFC. Nevertheless, his file has been mediocre at greatest since becoming a member of essentially the most famend combined martial arts group on this planet. This bout is a story of an skilled veteran going through an up-and-coming prospect. You gained’t need to miss it!
Sherman vs. Cortes-Acosta
Heavyweight challenger Chase Sherman almost definitely halted his expulsion from the UFC in July of this yr when he defeated Jared Vanderaa with a 3rd spherical knockout. Main as much as that second, he’d misplaced 4 consecutive fights and there have been rumors that his time with the group was coming to an finish. His combat on Saturday offers him a chance to have an excellent cut up this yr; he at present sits at two losses and one win for 2022. Nevertheless, his subsequent opponent is a younger up-and-comer who won’t be a simple job.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta fought simply three weeks in the past, at The Apex Middle on October twenty ninth. That combat resulted in a unanimous resolution victory towards Jared Vanderaa. At 31-years-old, Cortes feels a way of urgency, having an expert file of eight wins and nil losses. The extra expertise he acquires, the nearer he can get to a championship combat earlier than his prime years are misplaced. This can be a case of an ageing fighter spiraling downwards towards a rising fighter aiming for the highest of the division. Remember to tune in!
Fialho vs. Salikhov
In November of 2014, collaborating in an occasion staged by the now defunct Cage Fighters group, André Fialho gained three fights on the identical evening whereas preventing in Portugal. Whereas that looks as if a legend and never a real story, it’s certainly reality and is a feat that Fialho can lay declare to it doesn’t matter what else takes place in his profession. Fialho made his UFC debut in January of this yr at UFC 270, and he’s on the cusp of collaborating in his fifth combat beneath the group’s banner. To say that the 28-year-old welterweight is keen to succeed can be a gross understatement. His preventing prowess is spectacular; his work ethic is off the charts!
38-year-old Muslim Salikhov has been an expert combined martial artist since 2011, has solely misplaced thrice, and has by no means been topped the champion in any group he’s participated in. If that may be a shocking set of info, further context will assist make clear the confusion. Salikhov has concurrently amassed a powerful skilled kickboxing file and has additionally managed to win an Olympic Gold Medal in Sanda whereas representing Russia. He might not have gained a title in combined martial arts, however everybody acknowledged Salikhov as a champion. You gained’t need to miss this conflict between a rising star and an ageing legend!
Maddalena vs. Roberts
26-year-old Welterweight prospect Jack Maddalena gained every of his first two fights beneath the UFC’s banner by technical knockout within the first spherical. Nevertheless, his success at UFC 270 and UFC 275 don’t assure comparable outcomes towards his subsequent opponent, Danny Roberts. Roberts is a 35-year-old seasoned veteran out of London, England who has been an expert since 2010. To say he has the expertise issue on his facet can be an understatement. Remember to tune in when the rising Maddalena takes on the skilled Roberts in a conflict of generations!
Easy methods to watch
UFC Vegas 65 will be considered on BT Sport in The UK and on ESPN Plus in The USA. As all the time, we’ll have all the newest updates concerning the outcomes of the fights, in addition to in depth evaluation, out there proper right here at World in Sport!
