“Jiu-jitsu doesn’t work on him” – Fans shocked as Derrick Lewis steps up to replace Curtis Blaydes against heavyweight phenom Jailton Almeida at UFC Sao Paulo

UFC Fight Night is set to feature Derrick Lewis as a new opponent for rising contender Jailton Almeida in a heavyweight bout after Curtis Blaydes' exit.

Derrick Lewis and Jailton Almeida(Image courtesy: Twitter)

UFC Sau Paulo has received a brand new twist in the book as Derrick Lewis is set to replace Curtis Blaydes as Jailton Almeida‘s opponent. The situation behind Blaydes’ exit is still unknown to the media, however, the fans seem excited about this new matchup. Lewis will be stepping into the octagon after his latest 33-second TKO win against Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC 291.

Lewis’ addition could make the bout more interesting as rising contender Almeida is an exciting bet. However, some fans feel that this matchup could turn problematic for the Brazilian due to Lewis’ explosive power. Fans gave their opinions over this surprising change in the comment section. A fan commented, “Derrick Lewis vs Jailton Almeida is a total mismatch and horrible matchmaking. There is literally no path to victory for Jailton, considering Jiu Jitsu doesn’t work on Derrick Lewis.”

Almeida is currently unbeaten in the UFC as he holds five victories on his resume. Overall, the Brazilian record in MMA is 19-2. His most recent fight was a win against Jairzinho Rozenstruik, led by first-round submission. However, Lewis is a whole different test. Despite a bad run of form, Lewis’ recent win against Lima has brought back the old version of himself.

FS Video

Derrick Lewis will replace Curtis Blaydes in a heavyweight main event against Jailton Almeida on Nov. 4 in São Paulo, Brazil, sources confirmed with @bokamotoESPN. pic.twitter.com/xlmE7HJor4
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 9, 2023

‘The Black Beast’ will be looking forward to adding another finish to his resume. The powerful heavyweight has competed against the best of the best in the heavyweight division. However, an upcoming fighter like Almeida could pose a new challenge for Lewis.

Fans react to Derrick Lewis replacing Curtis Blaydes for UFC Sau Paulo

UFC heavyweight Derrick Lewis’ addition as a replacement for Curtis Blaydes has caught a lot of fans off-guard. After his UFC 291 win, many MMA fans were waiting to see ‘The Black Beast’ step back into the octagon. However, their wish was granted sooner than expected. Lewis is set to face an upcoming challenge in Jailton Almeida. Despite all the hype, some fans are not in favor of the bout as they feel it is disadvantageous for the Brazilian. Check out some of the comments on the change.

https://twitter.com/McGregorRousey/status/1711439647585321362?s=20

https://twitter.com/CapalotDevoo/status/1711446960064881119

Derrick taking another L just for the fans & payday pic.twitter.com/ojrdmU6Rl2
— Tyler Tzee (@yungtzeee) October 9, 2023

Derrick Lewis can never be 29-0.. just putting that thought out there ??

Good fighter he is
— Doctor MMA ?? (@FightDoctor_) October 9, 2023

I believe in Lewis, let’s go!? pic.twitter.com/FjBGXtolps
— Quan (@quan_eth) October 9, 2023

https://twitter.com/CalebMontour/status/1711446069240848410

Derrick Lewis wins, takes his shorts off, and then throws his cup into the crowd
— Ovin Vithanage (@OvinVithanage) October 9, 2023

1st round submission IMO ?
— Alertes Infos Sports ⚽?? (@AlerteInfoSport) October 9, 2023

There must be some miscommunication man
derrick must be drunk or something when he accepted this fight ????
— Sandwich (@SandwichBurger1) October 9, 2023

Lewis holds a great advantage over Almeida due to his experience in the division. However, Almeida needs to beat this test to show the world that he is worthy of being at the top.