Over the following weeks and months, the world will get plenty of elite UFC action. One notable event is UFC Fight Night 231. It will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on November 4. While the fights have already been set and fixed, there was a significant change for the headliner. Curtis Blayde withdrew his fight against Jailton Almeida. UFC heavyweight Derrick Lewis, popularly known as the “Black Beast,” has accepted the challenge for a five-round showdown against Jailton Almeida in Brazil.
The sudden change sent shockwaves through the MMA community and only added to the excitement and intrigue surrounding UFC Fight Night 231.
Derrick Lewis
There’s no official statement about why Curtis Blaydes has been pulled out, but veteran Derrick Lewis will replace him. The Black Beast made his UFC debut in 2014 against Jack May. He won the fight in the first round via TKO.
Currently, Lewis has a UFC record of 27 and 11 defeats. His most notable wins were against Alexander Volkov, Francis NGannou, and Travis Browne. Lewis recently defeated Marcos Rogerio de Lima in July at UFC 291, ending a three-fight losing streak.
The Black Beast is known for his spectacular knockouts, exciting fights, and entertaining post-fight comments and interviews. Moreover, the heavyweight veteran holds the most knockouts at 14. With all these in mind, Derrick Lewis will undoubtedly add to the excitement at next month’s event. For those looking to further engage with the excitement surrounding Derrick Lewis, check out his FanDuel MMA odds.
Fighting Style
The Black Beast considerably prefers stand-up fighting. Fans and experts also noted Lewis’s stunning ability to dismiss the wrestling or grappling offense of the other fighter while in the bottom position.
Additionally, before entering the UFC, Derrick Lewis trained to box. While he might not have deftly jabbed or footworked, he has learned something crucial from that training: the ability to charge and deliver power punches.
Lewis’s other preferred technique is the counter-right hand. When his opponent tries to launch a right hand, he’ll throw a right hand simultaneously while plunging his head off the centerline. If the veteran fighter lands his shot perfectly, it can potentially end the match.
The 38-year-old fighter is also willing to hunt for takedowns. Lewis is strong enough to finish a shot if he can get into a modest position. Once in a top position, the Black Beast can be very devastating.
Lewis directly dives into the guard with powerful punches. It’s the worst position any opponents of Lewis’s to be in because it will be nearly impossible and tiring to scramble out from underneath Lewis.
Jailton Almeida
Jailton “Malhadinho” Almeida made his UFC debut on February 5, 2022, against Danilo Marques. The fight was initially set for November 13, 2021, but it was rescheduled due to Marques’s surgery. Almeida was named the victor by technical knockout in round one.
Malhadinho currently has an MMA record of 19 wins and two losses. Also, Almeida earned “Performance of the Night” in the last three wins.
Fighting Style
Jailton Almeida’s 14-win streak consists mainly of submissions. Because of that, he hasn’t shown or revealed much of his techniques and prowess yet. Almeida’s kicks are generally robust and snappy, and he’s shown great hooks several times. All his fights start with his double-leg takedown. Almeida is strong and fast enough to ensure a decent grip or grasp on the legs if met with a sprawl. Otherwise, he’s able to recover into stable wrestling form quickly.
Almeida has a wide range of wrestling techniques at his disposal. For example, if his opponent yanks him up into the clinch, he’s quick to get his head towards the outside. This move enables Almeida to maintain a good angle with his opponent, where he can easily do the body lock or back clinch.
Moreover, the Brazilian fighter can force finishes consistently. Almeida methodically drains or fatigues his opponents and forces them into the wrong positions. Then, the stoppage takes place.
Malhadinho’s pressure is massive and rough because he can use both halves of his body. He can keep the weight of his torso on the other fighter and maintain chest pressure in the form of chest-to-back or chest-to-chest contact.
Furthermore, depending on the position, Almeida is skilled at hooking or scooping. For instance, if he takes his opponent along the fence, the Brazilian fighter instantly hooks both legs and sits on them.
Almeida is also good at tactical ground striking. He tries to end fights through strikes from deadlock positions, like the high or flattened-out back mount. If not possible, Almeida clinches his opponent until he is met with a stalemate or dead end. At that moment, he’ll strike his foe with a sneaky, huge elbow or a shot under the armpit.
Takeaway
Lewis vs. Almeida This unexpected main event promises to clash strengths and styles, pitting Almeida’s technical finesse against Lewis’s knockout power. The world will watch closely as these fighters vie for victory in a five-round clash. Don’t miss a moment of the electrifying action that will unfold in Sao Paulo.
Also read: Mike Evans’ Fans Concerned for Tom Brady After UFC 285 Public Appearance Alongside Former Teammate
