The Scout: Ciryl Gane vs Derrick Lewis

Posted on August 6, 2021August 9, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

The undefeated Ciryl Gane (9-0) and Derrick Lewis (25-7) headline UFC 265 with the interim heavyweight belt on the line, and the winner almost certainly set for a Francis Ngannou blockbuster later this year.

Gane is 6-0 in the UFC and has dominated his opponents with his high-level technical approach to striking. The Frenchman has incredible footwork, especially for a man of his size, and is comfortable taking his time to figure out an opponent, picking them apart with punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.

Lewis is a veteran of the UFC and has 23 more mixed martial art fights than his opponent. The hometown hero (Houston) will have a raucous crowd cheering him on, and is a far more predictable fighter than his opponent. He has power in his hands second to maybe only Ngannou, and holds a terrifying 80% knockout rate.

Gane has the advantage in a points battle, he can use his footwork and versatile striking to wear down Lewis, but this fight looks very unlikely to go the distance. Lewis can never be written off, and as long as this fight lasts, he’ll be a chance at landing a knockout blow. He’s shown many times that he can be losing a fight, only to land the decisive blow.

Lewis’ route to victory is simple, either be patient and wait for his opportunity, or attack from the outset and turn this into a short (and ugly) street fight. With Gane’s defensive tendencies, I think Lewis will be able to set the tempo and at some stage add to his UFC knockout record in the heavyweight division.

Suggested Bet: Derrick Lewis by KO/TKO @ $4.50*

*Odds correct as at 11am, 6th August 2021.

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