The heavyweight match-up topping UFC Vegas 19 was one of those “perfect storm” type of fights that, on paper, led you to believe that we were in for something special on Saturday night inside the UFC Apex.
One name that has been constant and consistent at the top of the UFC heavyweight division, whether the fans like it or not, is Curtis Blaydes. With each win, Blaydes inched closer to reaching the pinnacle of the sport and challenging for UFC gold. It’s an opportunity that seemed to have been delayed back in 2018 with his second loss to Francis N’Gannou, the man who appears to be Blaydes’ kryptonite. But in the years since, Blaydes seemingly put it all together, sharpening his striking while still relying primarily on his smothering wrestling.
Derrick Lewis had a taste of challenging for the heavyweight strap at UFC 230 in 2018. While a second chance at the title remains distant for Lewis, the bitter taste of defeat to Daniel Cormier in 2018 would no doubt motivate Lewis to push a little harder Saturday.
One man was going to at least be in the title conversation, even as a runner up to Jon Jones.
The power of Derrick Lewis is scarily dangerous. That’s a given in any fight. At UFC Vegas 19, it was on display once again. Blaydes looked to secure a takedown early in the second round, but a perfectly timed upper cut connected and with that devastating power Lewis has in his hands, the heavyweight main event ended early. Lewis will look to wait and see how the championship picture plays out between Stipe Miocic, Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, but there is no denying that Derrick Lewis remains a threat to whoever holds the title. And whoever stands opposite him.
The Pro Take
Here’s the pros’ take on what was a colossal main event between “The Black Beast” Derrick Lewis and Curtis “Razor” Blaydes.
Bring out the big boys!! #UFCVegas19
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 21, 2021
Derrick Lewis brought the heat 🔥👊 #UFCVegas19
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) February 21, 2021
The Black Beast!!!!!! @Thebeast_ufc has the most power ever
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) February 21, 2021
Whoa @Thebeast_ufc never doubted #UFCFightNight
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) February 21, 2021
Curtis went straight into this one👀, after all the setup he did.#UFCVegas19
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) February 21, 2021
Man I swear . Derrick Lewis power is unmatched . Dude sits down and puts you to sleep! Shesssssh #UFCVegas19
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) February 21, 2021
Slip into slap then took a nap. Beautiful KO! @Thebeast_ufc @ufc #UFCVegas19
— Julia Avila (@RagingPandaMMA) February 21, 2021
They shouldn’t put the camera in a fighters face when they are waking up after being KOed imo #UFCVegas19
— Katlyn Chookagian (@blondefighter) February 21, 2021
Wow boom 💥
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) February 21, 2021
What a shot!!!!!! #UFCVegas19
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) February 21, 2021
Man that promo was weak, c'mon Derrick you let us down.
— Funky (@Benaskren) February 21, 2021
I didn’t give Derrick Lewis much of a chance in this fight but daaaamn he proved me wrong!
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) February 21, 2021
Black beast is a cheat code #ufcvegas19
— U R I A H H A L L (@UriahHallMMA) February 21, 2021
Michael @bisping was all of us when Derrick Lewis produced that insane KO! 😱#UFCVegas19 pic.twitter.com/wgi46sLVzA
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) February 21, 2021
