Derrick Lewis had to survive Aleksei Oleinik’s grappling game in the first round of their main event fight tonight at UFC On ESPN+ 32, but then showed off his striking power early in the second to deliver a TKO stoppage.
Round One:
The heavyweight main event is underway in Las Vegas.
Hard body kick to start from Lewis. Now he’s winging a big punch, but Oleinik is trying to fire back. Lewis’ momentum carries him into the clinch against the cage.
Oleinik starts to reverse the clinch, but then Lewis just uses his raw strength to muscle Oleinik to the mat.
Oleinik could well be happy to work from his back here and he tries to work a submission, but Lewis is able to secure half-guard and then stay heavy on top.
Oleinik doing well to work his way back upright and then immediately brings Lewis down. Oleinik in side control trying to work a scarf hold, but Lewis stays patient and then picks his moment to transition on top. Nice work for him, but it’s not long before Oleinik gets back on top.
Oleinik back into side control and he’s working a neck crank. He’s working aggressively for this, but Lewis is hanging in there despite the discomfort and survives to the end of the round.
Round Two:
Jumping knee attack from Lewis lands to the chest to start the round, but then a big right hand behind it floors Oleinik.
Oleinik dazed, but trying to survive on the mat as Lewis goes to work landing a big series of right hands. Oleinik can’t escape the onslaught and that’s it, the ref waves the fight off and Lewis gets the TKO finish at 0.21mins of the second round.
