In the main event of UFC Vegas 45, we saw a big time showdown in the heavyweight division. Former two-time title challenger Derrick Lewis (25-8, 1 NC) returned as he took on the surging Chris Daukaus (12-3).
This was a massive step up in competition for Daukaus who was getting his first taste of a UFC main event. The last time we saw Daukaus was back in September when he took on Shamil Abdurakhimov.
Daukaus scored a second round knockout. That win moved him to 4-0 in the UFC and all four of those wins have come via knockout. Now, he was tasked with taking on the greatest knockout artist in heavyweight history.
The record holder for the most knockouts in UFC history is ‘The Black Beast’. Derrick Lewis has ungodly one-punch knockout power and that power has made him a star with the promotion.
Well, that power and his personality. The last time we saw Lewis was at UFC 265 when he had a shot at the interim heavyweight champion against Ciryl Gane. He came up short that night, but he was hoping to turn things around at UFC Vegas 45.
UFC Vegas 45 Recap
Round 1
The UFC Vegas 45 main event kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Lewis holds the center as Daukaus circles on the outside. Both men just trying to feel the other out here in the opening seconds. Lots of feints from Daukaus as Lewis is just stalking him here.
Daukaus throws his first combination but was a bit out of range. Nice leg kick from Daukaus. Lewis just plotting forward here. Leg kick from Daukaus and Lewis explodes forward with a right hand that just misses but Daukaus felt that power.
Heavy leg kick from Lewis then both men exchange big shots. Now it’s Daukaus moving forward. High kick attempt from Lewis and now he’s coming forward. Beautiful leg kick lands from Daukaus and he lands another on The Black Beast.
Here comes Lewis. Massive power shots in the clinch and Daukaus is covering up but Lewis is all over him. Daukaus is fighting back but Lewis is giving him no room to breathe. Crippling shot from Lewis and Daukaus is out cold. Another huge knockout win for The Black Beast.
Derrick Lewis def. Chris Daukaus by KO – Round 1