UFC Vegas 6: Lewis vs Oleinik Preview, Opposites Attract.

Though (seemingly) an easy fight to analyze on paper, the bout does pose many areas of intrigue. More on that later.

Why?

With both men on two-fight win streaks, now is as good of a time as any to match them up, with Lewis securing two decision wins over Blagoy Ivanov and Ilir Latifi and Oleinik submitting Maurice Green and then narrowly defeating a returning Fabricio Werdum in May, this fight may very well skyrocket one of these fighter’s names into title contention following the trilogy between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier on August 15th.

Tale of the Tape

Keys to Victory

Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis

Though known by many for his hilarious social media presence, let us not forget the carnage that Lewis has the potential to bring to our TV screens every time he steps inside the Octagon. With 18 of his 23 wins coming by way of knockout, Lewis has earned his nickname tenfold. No matter who “The Black Beast” fights, he brings a unique set of challenges that are sure to trouble even the division’s elite.

Pressuring Against the Fence

A very underrated tool in Lewis’ offense is his ability to push his opponents back. By doing so Lewis opens up a variety of options for himself, of course landing power punches is his go-to in terms of offense, but he is also no stranger to securing underhooks, tripping his opponents, and securing top position. From here Lewis’ can unleash some of the most ferocious ground and pound in the division.

Crushing Ground Presence

As previously mentioned, Derrick Lewis has some of the scariest ground and pound we have seen in the Octagon. Though he may lack the technical intricacies of a Khabib Nurmagomedov or the consistent control of a Curtis Blaydes, Lewis makes up for it by unleashing a relentless barrage of crushing ground and pound strikes once he has gained top control. Though the ground is likely the last place he wants to be against a grappler of Oleinik’s level, make no mistake, if “The Black Beast” gains top control, he can put anyone to sleep in seconds.

Swangin’ n’ Bangin’

Does anyone do it better?

As many X-factors as we have in this contest, the biggest one is evident. Derrick Lewis hits like a truck. If Lewis can keep the fight standing for over 2/3 minutes, we might just see another highlight reel KO for the monstrous KO artist.

Aleksei Oleinik

Push the Pace/Unorthodox Pressure

With no disrespect to Lewis, cardio isn’t his strong suit. By applying educated pressure early and backing Lewis up, Oleinik drastically lowers the chances of “The Black Beast” finding the opening for a knockout blow, after all, Lewis is not known as a counter striker by any means. Oleinik is also becoming well respected for his unorthodox boxing technique, though technically absolutely awful, Aleksei finds ways to land shots at awkward angles that his opponent likely has never seen before, by doing so he not only gives himself the opportunity lands strikes (see above) but also to secure a clinch or takedown (Think high, go low).

Wrap em’ Up

Are we ready to admit that Aleksei Oleinik is the best submission artist in UFC Heavyweight history?

With a mindblowing 46 submission wins under his belt, you’d be tasked to find many fighters on the planet who can hang with “The Boa Constrictor” on the ground. It’s no secret Aleksei will be looking for the submission this weekend, and by securing a takedown on Lewis we may see just that. Though Lewis has a knack for his explosive side control escapes, it is very likely that he has nothing else to offer Aleksei on the ground in terms of defense, if this one hit’s the ground, we may see absolute domination on the side of Oleinik.

Prediction

Aleksei Oleinik by submission.

As a 3/1 underdog, Oleinik is being severely overlooked by the bookies in this one, of course, the possibility of a highlight reel KO loss is always on the cards when fighting someone like Lewis, i personally believe that the grappling savvy of Oleinik will prove way too much for “The Black Beast”.

Enjoy the Chaos.

Follow me on Twitter at @JFeen_MMA and follow us @OT_Heroics for more great content!

Also, be sure to check out the Overtime Heroics Forums page to join in on the discussion!