This past Saturday at UFC Vegas 45, we saw a heavyweight showdown in the main event. Two of the biggest knockout artists in the division went head-to-head as two-time title challenger Derrick Lewis (26-8, 1 NC) took on Chris Daukaus (12-4).
Entering the bout, Daukaus was actually the betting favorite. This was a surprise to many in the industry given the fact that Lewis was a two-time title challenger while Daukaus hasn’t fought anyone in the top ten at heavyweight.
That said, Lewis’ last performance gave a lot of people pause. Lewis fought Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at UFC 265. The Black Beast never really got going and was ultimately stopped in the third round.
That performance frustrated Lewis and he vowed to be better at UFC Vegas 45. Well, you could tell from the opening bell that this was a very different Derrick Lewis on Saturday night.
Daukaus was doing what he needed to do in the first which was circle the outside. Lewis was plotting forward just biting his time until he was ready to attack.
Well, just over three minutes into the first round, Lewis was ready. The Black Beast rushed forward and swarmed Daukaus against the fence. Lewis was throwing serious heat and Daukaus just tried to survive.
However, the power proved to be too much. The UFC’s heavyweight knockout king was able to land some clean shots during the barrage and put Daukaus out cold. He made a massive statement with that win on Saturday night.
What’s next after UFC Vegas 45?
Derrick Lewis made a massive statement on Saturday night. The way he fought showed everyone that his performance at UFC 265 might’ve just been the nerves of trying to become champion in his hometown. The Derrick Lewis we saw on Saturday night is one that can knock out any man on the roster.
So, after that big win, who should be next for The Black Beast? To me, there’s really only one answer to this question. I think the next man that Lewis should fight is former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic (20-4) in a title eliminator.
Next month, Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane will fight for the heavyweight title. While the UFC hasn’t come out and said it, the general consensus is that Jon Jones will likely be the next in line to challenge for the title. Stipe Miocic is going to be the odd man out again.
With that, Miocic and Lewis would be a helluva fight that could determine who will get another crack at UFC gold.