Derrick Lewis brushes off another contender

The final UFC card of 2021 saw 'The Black Beast' Derrick Lewis come away with another knockout over rising contender Chris Daukaus. The first round finish makes the number 3 ranked heavyweight the king of most knockouts in the company with a whopping 13.

A vintage Lewis was on show as he made no efforts to let his opponent settle in and find his rhythm. It would be fair to call him a slow starter, however, this was far from a boring performance for all the three minutes and thirty-six seconds that occurred.

With Daukaus giving up a 30lb weight discrepancy, it was crucial that he utilised his speed and volume to suffocate the former title challenger. The problem with facing Derrick Lewis is that the fight can end at any moment, this was most definitely on show. Despite not throwing much compared to Daukaus, all Lewis needed was an explosive flurry of punches to end the fight.

Chris Daukaus started well, keeping the heavier man at distance with stiff leg kicks and a quick jab, but it just wasn't his night as the more experienced man took control and did what he is so well known for. The Philadelphian is still a rising contender, this was a big step up for Daukaus, ultimately it just wasn't his time. This could certainly be a silver lining though, sometimes it takes a defeat like that to take you further as a person and a fighter. I believe Chris is part of the heavyweight future, along with Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall. Blessed with terrific speed and footwork, he is part of a new breed of heavyweights who are offering a unique skillset to an otherwise repetitive division. Certainly a fighter to keep an eye on for the future.

As for what's next for The Black Beast, another title shot? I'm not too sure, maybe not straight away. Lewis is in a difficult situation, he has lost both of the title fights given to him. But he has also beaten the current champ Ngannou too, this fight against Daukaus proved that Lewis will not roll over for anyone and his name is still in the mix for a shot at the belt.

With Jon Jones still in the picture, I feel like a fight against the former champ Stipe Miocic would be the right move. It does depend on what the UFC feel is right, personally, I thought Miocic deserved the right for a trilogy with Ngannou. Although, it does make sense that Dana White is trying to avoid a repetitive narrative with the division after the Stipe DC trilogy that took place over the course of 3 years.

The heavyweight division has an intriguing couple of months as the champion Ngannou will look to successfully defend his belt for the first time against former sparring partner and interim champ Ciryl Gane at UFC 270.

Aside from that, I will be posting my annual 2021 UFC awards too over the coming days, so keep your eyes peeled for that one.