There have been so many knockout artist in the history of the UFC’s heavyweight division. You’ve had guys like Junior Dos Santos, Shane Carwin, Francis Ngannou, Cain Velasquez, and many more.
At UFC Vegas 6, The Black Beast, Derrick Lewis (23-7, 1), surpassed all of those men when he knocked out Alexey Oleynik (59-15-1) in the second round of their main event contest.
That was Lewis’ 11th KO/TKO in the UFC. Surpassing Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos, who both have 10, for the most in UFC history.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 9, 2020
What’s next for the UFC’s heavyweight knockout king?
Derrick Lewis has truly been one of the better heavyweights in the UFC over the last five years. Most people think about his personality and his exciting fighting style, but the man has been extremely good and consistent.
Since October of 2015, Lewis has gone 12-3 in the UFC‘s heavyweight division. Eight of those wins coming via stoppage. Outside of Francis Ngannou, there might not be a harder puncher in the heavyweight division.
At UFC Vegas 6, the fight started slow for Lewis. Despite having top position at times in the first round, Lewis clearly lost the first round to Oleynik. The grappling was not doing him any favors early on.
Lewis came out like a wild man to start the second round. A flying knee which transitioned to a beautiful right hand floored Oleynik. A few massive shots later and Herb Dean called the fight.
For Lewis, it was his third straight win inside the octagon. Lewis said he wants to drop about 10-15 pounds before he fights again, but he’s hoping to fight in December.
The question becomes, who is next for Lewis? There are a couple of options that could be next. The UFC could have him fight Curtis Blaydes. He could also potentially fight the winner of the Junior Dos Santos – Jairzinho Rozenstruik fight.
Ngannou – Lewis 2?
One interesting possibility I want to throw out is Francis Ngannou. While it’s not interesting in the sense of them fighting, it’s interesting in that it could be a fight for the UFC‘s vacant heavyweight title.
Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic might both retire after UFC 252. Cormier has said it’s for sure his last fight, but there are rumors that Stipe walks away as well. I can’t see the UFC giving Blaydes a third fight with Ngannou, who is the clear number one contender.
Lewis holds a win over Ngannou. If the promotion needs a fight for the vacant heavyweight title, I think Lewis – Ngannou 2 could be a strong possibility.