Since joining the UFC in 2014, Derrick Lewis had terrorized the heavyweight division, claiming the knockout record in the weight class and twice fighting for gold.
On Saturday at UFC Vegas 45, “The Black Beast” was paired up with one of the division’s up-and-comers — former Philadelphia police officer Chris Daukaus. The relatively quick rise of Daukaus had caught fight fans by surprise, and the UFC was getting behind the prospect by giving him the #3 ranked Lewis in just his fifth fight inside the octagon.
One round was all that was needed in this one, as Derrick Lewis lived up to his reputation of being a knockout king! Daukus came out patient and moving a lot, mixing in feints and jabs trying to find a way to get to The Black Beast.
After a few initial clashes where Daukus landed some jabs and right hands, Lewis began to mix it up with kicks and what has become a staple of Lewis’ fights when he throws creative strikes. Finally they clashed and Lewis dropped Daukus with a flurry of strikes ending 2021 in style for the UFC.
Your KO King – @TheBeast_UFC 👑 #UFCVegas45 pic.twitter.com/SsJ11UeLDF
— UFC (@ufc) December 19, 2021
Lewis offered some thoughts after the fight saying he’d like a title shot next but only if it’s a three-round fight. If not:
“Don’t call my phone.”
He also fired a rather unique souvenir into the crowd following the win: his protective cup.
Official Result: Derrick Lewis def. Chris Daukus by KO, Round 1, 3:36
