UFC Fight Night predictions — Derrick Lewis vs. Aleksei Oleinik


UFC Fight Night predictions — Derrick Lewis vs. Aleksei Oleinik

derrick lewis aleksei oleinik 2

It’s a heavyweight battle of striker vs. grappler in Las Vegas this Saturday night, with Lewis having the upper hand if stats are to be consulted.

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Predictions: Knockout vs Submission

Heavyweight finishing artists are set to face off Saturday at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas when Derrick Lewis and Aleksei Oleinik meet in the main event of the latest UFC Fight Night.

The duo has seen the judges’ scorecards a just 16 times in 104 combined fights.

Derrick Lewis

Lewis carries some of the most powerful knockout power in the sport, with 18 of his 23 career victories coming by knockout.

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In his two most recent fights, Lewis won by decision, something he attributed to changes in his physical health and “testing out” a new, lighter physique.

Now, he has issued a promise for a unique offensive explosion against Oleinik.

“I think you’ll see something you haven’t seen from me in a long time in the octagon,” Lewis said during media day. “I’m going to come out balls blazing. Something crazy. Something different. You’ll see something different that you haven’t seen before. That’s all.”

Aleksei Oleinik

Oleinik goes the other direction with his finishing prowess, scoring 46 submissions in his 59 career victories.

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In his 12 trips to the UFC Octagon, Oleinik has gone to the scorecards twice, including a split decision win over former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum in his most recent outing at UFC 249 in May.

Conclusion

 There’s a sense that, with both fighters wary of the other’s ability to finish the fight, this may end up fighting a slow-paced bout ending in a lackluster decision. But Oleinik’s step-up fights to guys around Lewis’ level have almost all ended with him getting knocked out. Lewis should be able to keep the fight on the feet long enough to connect with some big shots and end the fight.

Also Read: Dana White Promotes Derrick Lewis vs Aleksei Oleinik Via Twitter