The UFC will be back in Las Vegas this weekend for another Fight Night event, and although though the programme doesn’t feature many big-name competitors, it’s still interesting enough.
This UFC show should be worth watching because there are some veterans seeking to maintain their positions, prospects looking to advance, and a few hot debutants.
The following five athletes should be closely watched during UFC Fight Night: Sergei Spivac vs Derrick Lewis.
#5.Tatsuro Taira – UFC flyweight contender
Tatsuro Taira, a flyweight prospect, is one fighter on this weekend’s preliminary card who should be worth watching even if you’re just a casual UFC fan.
The native of Japan has a stellar 12-0 career record and is already 2-0 in the octagon. At just 23, he is unquestionably a high-end potential, and the fact that he competes in one of the promotion’s more competitive divisions should benefit him.
What is it that he has to offer? Taira is primarily a very dangerous grappler, as evidenced by his most recent triumph, which came against CJ Vergara in October. Despite Vergara’s weight loss, he essentially whitewashed his opponent on the ground and submitted him with an armbar in round two.
He will compete against Mexican Jesus Santos Aguilar, a former loser who is making his octagon debut this weekend after triumphing on Dana White’s Contender Series in August.
Taira will likely be certain that he can defeat Aguilar because he also seems to be a grappler. There will undoubtedly be a case for him to move up into the top fifteen at 125 pounds if he can accomplish that. That makes him the one to watch in the preliminary exams.
#4. Da Un Jung – UFC light-heavyweight contender
Before his most recent UFC match, Da Un Jung appeared to have what it took to be a serious title contender at 205 pounds.
Since joining the organisation in 2019, the South Korean light-heavyweight had amassed a remarkable record of four victories and a draw. He used many elbows to violently finish Kennedy Nzechukwu in November 2021.
In contrast, he was soundly defeated by Dustin Jacoby in his most recent fight, losing by knockout after essentially walking into a strong counterpunch.
When Seda takes on Devin Clark this weekend, can he bounce back? The bout appears to be more advantageous for him stylistically because Clark is slower and less skilled at counterstriking than Jacoby.
The Korean fighter would likely be back in the mix if he can pull off a strong finish, bringing his octagon record to 5-1-1. He’s also a thrilling combatant to watch, so don’t miss this match.
#3. Yusaku Kinoshita – UFC welterweight contender
This weekend, a handful of fighters will make their UFC debuts, but Japanese welterweight Yusaku Kinoshita may be the most exciting of them all.
Although his 6-1 record isn’t particularly outstanding, it’s still worth digging a little more. He only lost once because he was disqualified for grasping the fence, and he defeated all of his other opponents.
More specifically, his victory over Jose Henrique Souza on Dana White’s Contender Series led to comparisons to Conor McGregor, largely as a result of the forceful counterleft hook he used to close the fight.
If he can defeat Adam Fugitt this weekend, it’s feasible that he’ll win over UFC fans’ favour because video of his prior fights makes it appear that this victory wasn’t a fluke.
Given that Fugitt lost his octagon debut in July, Kinoshita appears to have a chance to prevail. Hopefully, he does, and maybe even earns a $50,000 bonus.
#2. Doo Ho Choi – UFC featherweight contender
Doo Ho Choi, a featherweight who is making his comeback after more than three years on the sidelines, is arguably the most recognisable name on this weekend’s bill outside of main eventer Derrick Lewis.
After making his octagon debut in 2015, “The Korean Super Boy” quickly rose to prominence among fans thanks to a string of three stunning knockout victories.
But what really cemented his status as a celebrity was his ferocious fighting with Cub Swanson, a contest that was later inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. The chaotic confrontation was generally regarded as the best fight of 2016.
Choi, meanwhile, hasn’t participated in competition since December 2019 and has subsequently suffered two knockout losses.
Can ‘The Korean Super Boy,’ who is 31 years old, make a successful comeback this weekend? He shouldn’t be past his physical peak. It’s not impossible, especially considering that Kyle Nelson is his opponent, who can be defeated.
There is a strong possibility that Choi will get back on track if he can win this fight. But if he loses, his professional fighting career may be gone, making him a must-see fighter this weekend.
#1. Derrick Lewis – UFC heavyweight contender
Derrick Lewis, the weekend’s main attraction, is unquestionably a man to watch. In his fight with Sergei Spivac, the former UFC heavyweight title contender finds himself at a crossroads of sorts, and to say it is a must-win would likely be an understatement.
While losing three consecutive fights wouldn’t ordinarily be a problem for ‘The Black Beast,’ who competes at the top of the division, his decline lately has been concerning.
Lewis defeated Chris Daukaus to close the year of 2021, although he also lost by knockout to Tai Tuivasa and Sergei Pavlovich twice the previous year. More concerningly, it appeared from both encounters that his durability was much diminished.
Even if most of the UFC’s heavyweights can match ‘The Black Beast’s’ striking prowess, that might not be as much of an equaliser if his own chin is damaged.
Can Lewis defeat Spivac then? It is disputable. On the one hand, “The Polar Bear” is smaller, slower, and devoid of terrifying power than “The Black Beast.”
Lewis has always been exposed from his back, but on the other hand, he’s a skilled finisher, especially on the ground.
Lewis can basically turn things around if he wins here, but at 38, it’s unlikely he’ll ever return to the top. This fight is a really important one for him, because
