Derek Lewis looked impressive last night in UFC Apex, putting away Aleksei Oleinik with his hands early in the second round after surviving the first in Oleinik’s world - on the ground. Lewis has fought a lot of the other ranked fighters in the division, and currently sits at number four in the rankings. Naturally, he’d like to move up to get a title shot.
So who happens to be right above him, and is one of the few guys he’s hasn’t stepped into the Octagon with yet?
Enter Curtis Blaydes, who called out The Black Beast just minutes after his win over Oleinik on social media:
At the post-fight press conference, Lewis amusing stated that he wants to go in there against Blaydes and beat him at his own game (transcribed by MMA Fighting):
“That’d be perfect to fight Curtis next,” Lewis said.