UFC Fight Night 102: Lewis vs Abdurakhimov Date: December 9, 2016 Arena: Times Union Center City: Albany, NY Heavyweight bout: Derrick Lewis (-200) vs Shamil Abdurakhimov (+185) Fight Breakdown: The main event for UFC Fight Night 102 in Albany in a five round heayweight match-up between Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis and Shamil Abdurakhimov, with Lewis being a -200 ($200 to win $100) betting favorite heading into the contest, and Abdurakhimov being a +185 ($100 to win $185) underdog at Several Bookmakerss. Derrick Lewis (16-4-1 NC MMA, 10-7 UFC) last saw action at UFC Fight Night 90 five months ago, where he picked up a controversial split decision win over Roy “Big Country” Nelson, making it four straight wins for himself inside the Octagon. He plans to make it five straight with an impressive victory over Abdurakhimov. Lewis has arguably the most vicious ground and pound in all of mixed martial arts. In fact, five of his six T/KO victories inside of the Octagon have come via ground and pound stoppage. “The Black Beast” likes to implement kicks into his striking attack, often attempting a variety of them. While powerful on the feet, he does most of his damage in the clinch and on the mat. The Bellator and RFA veteran has solid boxing, and more importantly, he has serious knockout power. His hands are the equivalent of Edson Barboza’s kicks, as they are amongst the most dangerous weapons in the UFC. Training out of the Silverback Fight Club in Houston, TX, Lewis has been showing improved cardio and I expect his conditioning to be in check heading into this 25-minute title fight, should it go the distance. Shamil Abdurakhimov (17-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) is coming off a split decision win over Walt Harris, which followed a unanimous decision win over Anthony Hamilton and he now enjoys a three fight winning streak inside the Octagon. He will be looking to extend that streak to three heading into this main event heavyweight contest scheduled for five rounds. Abdurakhimov is solid on the feet, though rare for a heavyweight, he does not really posess knockout power. He is a well-rounded fighter, as he is talented on the mat, as well. The Russian has solid wrestling skills and is quite effective from top position, both with his ground and pound and submissions. He has good conditioning for a heavyweight, though it is questionable whether he can go five rounds. Gabe’s Thoughts: Simply put, I think “The Black Beast” eventually finds top position, and that’s all she wrote… Gabe’s Call: Lewis by T/KO (punches, 2:15 round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Derrick Lewis (-200) 4u to win 2u All of my content and plays are free. Your support is greatly appreciated. 
