AT A GLANCE
When is UFC 230? Sunday 4th November, 2018 – 00:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 230? Madison Square Garden, New York
What channel is UFC 230 on? BT Sport 3
Where can I stream UFC 230? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT website
Are tickets still available for UFC 230? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket...
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
After a lot of chopping and changing, injuries and disagreements for the main event at UFC 230, Daniel Cormier and Derrick Lewis have stepped up to pick up the pieces and headline at Madison Square Garden.
Instead of waiting for Brock Lesnar or granting Stipe Miocic a rematch, Cormier has accepted a fight with ‘The Black Beast’, perceiving this fight as less of a risk. Considering he is saving the card on short notice with only a couple of big fights left in his career, it makes complete sense.
However, he knows Lewis can never be taken lightly. He has a limited skillset but this skillset is absolutely devastating with unholy power in his hands, perfectly showcased in his recent fight against Alexander Volkov. He was getting outclassed for the duration of the fight but with 15 seconds left, he uncorked a huge right all the way from Louisiana to fold the 6’7” Russian.
So, although the champion will be the heavy favourite, Lewis is undoubtedly a threat with the most knockouts in UFC heavyweight history and although he went through three tough rounds only a month ago, he is already in good condition.
THE PREDICTION
Lewis is likely to approach this fight in usual fashion; be patient, stifle any grappling and wait for openings to brutally counter attack. Considering this fight will be five rounds, he may be even more patient but considering he is up against the two-division champ and Olympic Wrestler, a first round blitz may be his best chance.
Cormier has the ability to completely dictate the fight. He will be able to take Lewis down at will but it will be a question of how much he cares about what the fans think. If he buckles to the pressure, he may decide to stand and trade with Lewis which is not smart but after his well-earned knockout over Miocic, he will back himself to find Lewis’ chin.
However, there is too much at stake for Cormier to lose now and considering he has been dealing with issues to his right hand, it is fully expected that he will take Lewis down, suffocate him, and submit an exhausted beast.
Winner: Cormier via Submission
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric
