Derrick Lewis, an impressive up-and-comer in UFC's heavyweight division, will enter the Octagon for the third time tonight (Fri., Sept. 5, 2014) when he faces off with Matt Mitrione in a clash that could be telling toward the future of each of these fighters. Does "The Black Beast" have what it takes to move on to the next level in UFC's heavyweight division?
In mixed martial arts (MMA) today, there are few divisions that can be both scrutinized and enjoyed so much as the Heavyweight weight class. On a whole, the athleticism and technique of those fighters ranging from 206-265 is not on par with that of lower divisions; however, the raw power and wild fights certainly provide for the entertainment factor.
In this division, the drop-off of serious talent is immense and very noticeable, with the top five or so fighters being very far off from those trying to reach their ranks. That said, it isn't out of the question for any one fighter to make a name for himself with a series of impressive performances, especially when his wins end by way of jaw-dropping knockouts.
That is where 29-year-old Derrick Lewis finds himself, now just hours away from his next appearance at UFC Fight Night 50 tonight (Fri., Sept. 5, 2014) against Matt Mitrione. The hype surrounding Lewis is huge, and why shouldn't it be, with two dynamite performances inside the Octagon under his belt, he should receive praise.
Lewis' most impressive performance, however, was one that did not even take place in UFC. Indeed, he leveled Jared Rosholt in Legacy Fighting Championship (LFC) back in 2012. Following a first round that Rosholt clearly controlled, Lewis won the fight toward the end of the second round, unleashing a fearsome right hand that put Rosholt down. The performance was a massive upset win for "The Black Beast" over an opponent who was believed to be sought after by UFC.
Just one LFC victory later, UFC came calling, and Lewis signed with MMA's premier organization.
Despite being known as a former boxer, Lewis throws most technical boxing acumen he may know to the wayside when he fights. His game focuses exclusively on power punching, be that at range, in the clinch or even on top of his opponents. This isn't a bad route for him to take, admittedly, seeing as his ungodly punching power is responsible for 10 of his 11 career victories, and he has a solid chin to back him up should he be punished for a sloppy punch.
All this said, however, Lewis faces a much different type of challenge tonight in The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 alum, Mitrione. "Meathhead" is a much more complete fighter than any Lewis has faced short of Rosholt.
Mitrione possesses a serviceable skill set in each area a fight can take place, with his preferred area of fighting being either at striking range or tight in the clinch. Mitrione is the type of fighter who remains cool-headed in most every exchange, and that will certainly be a test for the very aggressive Lewis. Mitrione is also a very capable defensive wrestler, meaning Lewis' crude takedown game may be of little use here, and that may be a problem, as Lewis' favorite position seems to be on top of his opponent, raining down heavy strikes with bad intentions.
Ultimately, this is a fight that seems very even on paper. Mitrione holds an advantage in that his game is far more complete than his less refined opponent, but Lewis' great equalizer is the type of rare knockout power that could be unleashed from nowhere.
Lewis' gameplan here should be one that takes his already known style to a new level. He needs to put the pressure on Mitrione, blitz him early and often, preventing "Meathead" from settling in to a low-tempo counter-striking gameplan he would be best advised to adopt for this fight.
Lewis has already put much of the middle tier of the Heavyweight division on notice, but now it's up to him to see if he can do the same to the higher levels of the division. He possesses a very dangerous gift in his incredible punching power, but to say that alone will take him to the heights of the Heavyweight division is naive.
At least for now.
Lewis has plenty of potential, but his first step toward fulfilling that potential will come against Mitrione in this fight. A win could do wonders for him, allowing him to continue moving up the divisional ladder, while still working on his overall game, making him an even more dangerous fight for those ranked ahead of him.
He's definitely worth watching.
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