The UFC returns to Canada tonight for UFC Fight Night 105 which will be headlined by rising Heavyweight Derrick Lewis (18-5-1 MMA, 9-5-1 UFC) who faces Travis Browne (17-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) in a 265-pound showdown.
Despite only one place separating them in the heavyweight rankings the pairs recent form has been a complete parallel, with Lewis getting the greater push by the promotion and enters the bout having won 8 of his ten bouts in the UFC.
Lewis is currently riding a five-fight win streak, securing TKO/KO victories over the likes of Shamil Abdurakhimov and Gabriel Gonzago as well as a split decision win over Roy Nelson at UFC Fight Night 90.
Despite winning his last five bouts some of Lewis’ performances have not been as impressive as his form suggests but one thing for sure though is that ‘The Black Beast’ steps into the Octagon to finish fights with 15 of his 17 fights coming by way of KO/TKO.
The 32-year old is not the most technically gifted fighter but with devastating power, in his right hand, Browne will have to make sure he does not give Lewis an opening to capitalise on.
Browne enters tonight’s bout coming off of back to back losses to Fabricio Werdum at UFC 203 and Cain Velasquez at UFC 200. ‘Hapa’ will be aiming to put himself back in the win column tonight and can if he is not drawn into a scrap with Lewis.
The 34-year olds last win was a TKO victory over Matt Mitrione at UFC Fight Night 81 and will be hoping he can emulate his form that night and put himself back into title contention. The 6ft 7in powerhouse is surprisingly light on his feet and will look to utilise his reach and hope he can catch Lewis on his way in as he looks to explode with a deadly burst forward.
The fight is made all the more interesting with the two having history which could add some spice to proceedings after Lewis made comments on Browne’s case of alleged domestic abuse. Browne has since been cleared but the bad blood remains between the two with ‘Hapa’ planning on ‘holding Lewis accountable for his words come fight night’.
UFC Fight Night 105 Quick Results
Derrick Lewis def. Travis Browne by KO (punches) at 3:12 of Round Two
Johnny Hendricks def. Hector Lombard by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Gavin Tucker def. Sam Sicilia by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Elias Theodorou def. Cezar Ferreira by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Sara McMann def. Gina Mazany by submission (arm triangle choke) at 1:14 of Round One
Paul Felder def. Alessandro Ricci by TKO (elbow and punches) at 4:41 of Round One
Santiago Ponzinibbio def. Nordine Taleb by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Randa Markos def. Carla Esparza by split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
Aiemann Zahabi def. Reginaldo Vieira by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Thiago Santos def. Jack Marshman by TKO (wheel kick and punches) at 2:21 of Round Two
Gerald Meerschaert def. Ryan Janes by submission (armbar) at 1:34 of Round One
