UFC Fight Night 215 is headlined by a heavyweight bout between former UFC Heavyweight Championship challenger Derrick Lewis and number 12 ranked heavyweight Sergey Spivak. Lewis, who has the record of the most knockouts in UFC history, says he’ll still be ‘swanging and banging’ even though he has made some changes to his training regimen and how he will approach the fight to reverse the bad form he has found himself of late. He must on his best as Spivak is on a two-match winning streak - both of them KOs - and will be looking to add the number 8 ranked heavyweight to his scalp. The fight is at the UFC Apex and will be streamed on ESPN+.
MMA: UFC Heavyweight
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas
Date: 20-11-2022, 00:00
Where to watch: ESPN+
Derrick Lewis
The American is a veteran of mixed martial arts, active since 2010. He has competed in both Bellator and Legacy FC and lost his challenge for the UFC championship when Daniel Cormier submitted him at UFC 230 in 2018. Black beast comes into this matchup with one win in four. He lost his two fights in 2022 inside the distance being knocked out in both bouts. For the man with the most knockout in UFC history across all weight divisions, it must grate. Lewis has fired his trainer in a desperate bid to end the record of going through a year without a win. He has hinted that he could wrestle if need be. Maybe, history is on his side as he is 8-0 in Las Vegas. Lewis is looking to prove the doubters all wrong.
It’s fine if everyone is underestimating me. It’s great; I love being underestimated. I believe I’ll get the job done, and I believe this is a perfect matchup to get the job done; to go out there and show everyone these skills that I’ve learned over the last few months.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 37
- Height: 6’ 3”
- Weight: 265 lb
- Reach: 79”
- Total: 37
- Record:26-10-1
Sergey Spivak
The Moldovan began fighting professionally at 19. However, Spivak was undefeated until he debuted in the UFC, losing to Walt Harris fifty seconds into his debut. The former World Warriors FC heavyweight champ recovered to defeat Tui Tuivasa and notch his first win in the promotion for the second time of asking. Spivak’s UFC record has been good, although he has lost to notable fighters like Tom Aspinall and Marcin Tybura. This battle against Lewis is a big chance to make a big statement against a top-ten fighter. Spivak has a lot of power, evidenced by the seven knockouts in his resume, including his two last wins coming into this bout. The Moldovan is in good form, with five wins in his last six fights.
I got addicted to winning. I’m winning in life, but I also want to win in the Octagon, as well. I miss that feeling — it’s almost been a year since I had that feeling, had that sensation, so that’s what I’m chasing right now is being a winner.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 27
- Height: 6’ 3”
- Weight: 244 Ib
- Reach: 78”
- Total: 18
- Record: 15-3
Betting Odds
Lewis is a clear underdog in this bout. The Sportsbooks don’t think that he has the power to outpunch the in-form Spivak. Bet365 lists a Lewis win at 2.62 odds. Spivak is priced at 1.53 odds on Bet365. 1xbet prices total rounds over 1.5 at 1.87 odds. With the punching power on display from both fighters, total rounds under 1.5 priced at 2.7 odds on 1xbet look like real value. Betway lists the fight going to the distance at 5.80 odds.
