AT A GLANCE
When is UFC Fight Night 126? Monday 19th February, 2018 – 00:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 126? Frank Erwin Center (Austin, Texas)
What channel is UFC Fight Night 126 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 126? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
Are tickets still available for UFC Fight Night 126? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket-info?utm_source=ufc&utm_medium=tab&utm_campaign=tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
Derrick ‘The Black Beast’ Lewis returns to the octagon and claims he has never felt better after chronic back injuries have plagued his recent career. That said, he pulled off an explosive six-fight win streak until he got stopped in his last fight against Mark Hunt.
Desperate to bounce back and earn his pay check, he has to get past Marcin Tybura which will be one of his toughest tests so far. The Polish native is also coming off a loss which was to Fabricio Werdum, and although Tybura lasted the five rounds, he was simply outclassed and now has a very different and dangerous opponent in the form of the Black Beast.
THE PREDICTION
Lewis is a strong grappler but makes no attempts to hide the fact that all he wants to do is knock his opponents out. Tybura has to prepare for his power as one mistake will turn the lights off. So, Tybura may look to close the distance and attempt to get Lewis on his back to look for a submission but more importantly - negate the Black Beast’s strengths.
The most likely outcomes are a knockout finish for Lewis or a decision for Tybura. So, the striking accuracy of Lewis has to be the key stat as he requires only one connection to end the fight. However, Tybura’s loss to Werdum will provide a steep learning curve and after enduring the five rounds, he is in good shape to squeak out a decision but if Lewis is feeling as good as he says he is and is over his back pain – we could see a rejuvenated knockout machine.
Winner: Lewis via KO/TKO
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric.
