Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at two-time Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series fight winner Bevon Lewis as he makes his UFC debut against veteran striker Uriah Hall at UFC 232 in Los Angeles, California.
Bevon “The Extraordinary Gentleman” Lewis
Hometown: Long Beach, California
Age: 27
Height: 6’3”
Reach: 79”
Weight Class: Middleweight
Camp: Jackson Wink MMA
Career Record: 6-0
Key Wins: Elias Urbina
Key Losses: None
Background
A long, lanky middleweight training out of acclaimed fight gym Jackson Wink, Bevon Lewis is an undefeated fighter who earned his way into the UFC knocking out an opponent on both seasons of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. Lewis is undefeated with half of his career six victories coming by finish.
Strengths
- Good jab
- Utilizes a lot of kicks to maintain distance
- 8-point striker that throws with all sort of variety
- Strong in the clinch
- Solid takedown defense
Weaknesses
- Can be pushed back by power strikers
- Too willing to fight off back foot at times
- A bit inexperienced on the mat
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: B-
Striking Defense: D+
Knockout Power: C-
Athleticism / Speed: C+
Footwork: C
Chin: D+
Offensive Wrestling: D
Takedown Defense: C-
Submissions: D
Conditioning: C
Intangibles: C
Overall Grade: C
Matchup against Uriah Hall
In what should be a striking showcase, Bevon Lewis makes his UFC debut against veteran Uriah Hall. From a physical standpoint, both fighters have a 79-inch reach and are both long for the middleweight division. Lewis is seven years younger than Hall and has not been in the physical wars that Hall has had to face of late. Hall has been finished in three of his last four fights and was brutalized by Paulo Costa just six months ago. Hall excels when given space and can he throw athletic, powerful solo strikes. The problems he tends to have are when opponents slow him down and force him to fight against the cage. Lewis does some of his best work against the cage in the clinch. He’s good at landing knees to the body and landing elbows on the release. I expect Lewis to do his best work in those situations and beat up a battered Uriah Hall who is on the downswing of his career. Hall is always dangerous with his flashy striking ability, but more often than not he’s unable to land that fateful strike. Look for Lewis to earn either a mid-round finish or to get the nod on the scorecards by being more active. Like any UFC debutant, there is some concern with a flat performance in their promotional debut, so I don’t recommend playing Lewis as currently lined (-127). If Lewis dips to plus money on fight day, then a bet is worth consideration.
Fight Film
Check out Bevon Lewis in some of his most recent fights:
Bevon Lewis vs. Alton Cunningham
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMBCZPOaPik
Bevon Lewis vs. Elias Urbina
https://www.ufc.tv/video/bevon-lewis-vs-elias-urbina-contender-series
