The MMA Daily

Preview

In the main event of the evening, we have a Heavyweight showdown, as the former title challenger Derrick ‘The Black Beast’ Lewis takes on rising star Chris Daukaus. Coming off an Interim title defeat to Ciryl Gane, Lewis will look to rebound and get back in the title picture. Checking in at third in the Heavyweight rankings, Lewis will need to win to maintain his position as a top contender. Meanwhile, Daukaus has set the octagon on fire. With five straight wins, four in the UFC, Daukaus more often than not, has made quick work of his opponents. Of the four fights in the UFC, all have come via stoppage, three inside of round one. 

Prediction

This is a great fight and one in which the judges can take off. Both men are sluggers who more often than not, have ended their fights inside the distance. Given this is a main event, they will have an extra ten minute should fifteen not be enough. However, in my opinion, they won’t need it. Derrick Lewis is a powerful striker, who has legitimate bombs in his hands. With twelve knockouts in the UFC, Lewis is tied with Matt Brown for the most all-time. While hesitant to throw and not one that has technique, Lewis has shown that if he can’t land a clean shot, he could be picked apart. It’s what happened in the majority of Lewis’ defeats. However, he carries that x-factor of power from start to finish. As for Chris Daukaus, he too is a striker. A more technical and volume-based one at that. Landing a ridiculous 9.03 significant strikes per minute, Daukaus looks to engulf opponents and put them out. Given that he has won eleven of his twelve victories via knockout, more often than not, he has succeeded in such. 

As for a prediction, I have Lewis winning. This is a tough one to pick because Daukaus has the skill set that has so often defeated Lewis. However, if Daukaus can’t put away Lewis early, I’m not entirely sure where his cardio lies. He has fought to only one decision in fifteen fights and that was five years ago. With that unknown cardio and having fought four opponents that aren’t known for knockout power, I believe that Lewis will put a halt to the rise of Daukaus. So with that said, I predict that Lewis will win via knockout.