Nick Peet: Derrick Lewis vs Sergey Spivak preview

WHILST fight fans are still catching their breath following last week’s insane UFC 281 card at Madison Square Garden delivered a wealth of viral moments, get ready for more of the same on Saturday night when the Octagon returns to the Apex.

So often these Fight Night cards between numbered US PPV events slip under the radar of the mainstream audience, but don’t blink when Derrick Lewis and Sergey Spivak crash into one another in Las Vegas.

The two heavyweights combined records include 45 stoppages from 55 fights – both wins and losses.

‘KO King’ Lewis, 37, was mentored by the great George Foreman in his formative years and carries similar one-punch knockout power, exhibited in his 21 KO’s in 26 wins.

But it’s his chin that’s being brought into question more recently. The tables have been turned leading to the Texas ‘Black Beast’ being finished in three of his last four outings.

Spivak, meanwhile, is shooting in the other direction, having won his last two via TKO.

The 27-year-old Moldovan was unbeaten in nine fights entering the UFC, only to lose two of his first three bouts. But since he’s been in 5-1 form, the only loss coming via TKO to British showstopper Tom Aspinall.

The ‘Polar Bear’ is also 10 years younger than Lewis with a lot less miles on the clock. Since his MMA debut – in 2014 aged 19 – he’s gone 15-3, with only three judges decisions required.

Derrick Lewis vs Sergey Spivak!

Who takes our main event at #UFCVegas65 tomorrow? pic.twitter.com/sGCbGzuCRT

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) November 18, 2022

STYLES MAKE FIGHTS

Lewis’ “swangin’ and bangin’” approach isn’t going to change at this stage in his career. His heavy-handed mantra is simple: kill or be killed!

The former heavyweight title contender insists he’s changed up his training regimen – replacing Kru Bob Perez with new head coach Joe Murphy – but it’s not like he’s suddenly going to start shooting for takedowns.

Plus, if he did, Spivak’s team would be in raptures. After all, the big Moldovan has six submissions on his card. The fact five of those came outside of the UFC, ground fighting is Spivak’s first love. Just ask #4-ranked Tai Tuivasa, who tapped out to a Spivak arm triangle in Melbourne in 2019.

After 37 fights, aa the experience is with Lewis. But the fact this card is behind closed doors plays into the hands of the visitor. The atmosphere will be flat and media presence low for Spivak’s first UFC main event.

With more knockouts inside the Octagon than anybody (13), Lewis will be the Apex predator in there. But youth, speed and invention await in the opposite corner.

Both winning and losing are habits that are tough to break. And with blood in his nostrils, Spivak can send Lewis crashing out of the top 10 and take his place amongst the monster club elite.

TIP: Spivak by TKO/Sub