Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Two heavyweights in contrasting forms clash in the main event of UFC on ESPN 56 this weekend in St Louis, Missouri. Derrick Lewis has seen a steep decline in form since a failed bid for the interim heavyweight title in 2021, while Brazilian Rodrigo Nascimento has refused to be defeated since debuting in the UFC in 2019. After dropping the main event last November against Jailton Almeida, Derrick Lewis is the favorite ahead of the fight with Rodrigo Nascimento at the Enterprise Center.

MMA: UFC Heavyweight

Where to Watch: ESPN/ESPN+

Venue: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri

Date: 12.05.2024 04:30

Derrick Lewis is 1-4 in his last five fights. The veteran won the Performance of the Night award and extended the UFC record for most knockouts when he TKO’ed Marcos Rogerio de Lima last July to end a three-fight losing skid. Stepping in as a late replacement for the main event against Jailton Almeida last November, “The Black Beast” lost by a unanimous decision. At 39, Derrick Lewis has the most knockouts in UFC history and most finishes in the heavyweight division. The former Bellator MMA and Legacy FC heavyweight champion is number twelve in the UFC heavyweight rankings.

• Age: 39;
• Height: 6’3”;
• Weight: 264 lbs (120kg);
• Reach: 79”;
• Record: 27-12-1 (NC).

The Brazilian comes into the match on a three-fight winning streak, all by decision. Rodrigo Nascimento earned a UFC contract after excelling at the DWCS 22 in 2019. His only loss in the UFC has been against Chris Daukaus in 2020. In 2021, “Yogi Bear” had his victory over Alan Baudot overturned to a No Contest after testing positive for a banned substance. Now ranked in the heavyweight class, Nacimento’s resume includes victories over Tanner Boser and Don’Tale Mayes.

• Age: 31;
• Height: 6’3”;
• Reach: 80”;
• Weight: 261 lbs (118kg);
• Record: 11-1-1 (NC).

Derrick Lewis is a 1.66 favorite on 1XBET which prices the underdog at 2.247. Over 1.5 is 1.87 on Betway which lists fight to go the distance at 7.20 odds. Bet365 prices Rodrigo Nascimento by decision at 13.00 and Lewis by KO/TKO for 1.72. Read more.