The big boys will be headlining UFC 256, as Derrick Lewis looks to become the first man to defeat the up-and-coming Ciryl Gane. Will Lewis extend his win streak and deal Gane’s first loss? Or will Gane move closer to a title fight? Check out our preview of this fight below.
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Betting Preview for the Derrick Lewis vs Ciryl Gane Heavyweight Bout at UFC 265 on August 7, 2021
Where: Toyota Center (Houston), Houston, TX
When: Saturday, August 7, 2021
Odds: Derrick Lewis (+280) vs. Ciryl Gane (-360)
TV Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass
Betting on Derrick Lewis (+280)
MMA Record: 25-7-0
There’s no mystery when it comes to Derrick Lewis’ modus operandi. The Black Beast is always going to look for that knockout blow, knowing he’s got the power to put any man asleep inside the Octagon. The 36-year-old Lewis is on a roll. He has four fights in a row, heading into his date with Game. His latest victim was Curtis Blaydes, whom he sent to dreamland in a second-round knockout victory back in February. That put him tied with Vitor Belfort for the most knockout wins in the history of the UFC. Lewis now has 20 knockout wins against four knockout losses. Gane has never fought someone who’s on the same level as Lewis, and that could intimidate the French fighter. There’s also the experience factor in favor of Lewis. This will be Gane’s first fight as part of the main event, so the lights could be too bright for him this time around.
Betting on Ciryl Gane (-360)
MMA Record: 9-0-0
If Gane is to move up in the rankings and prove that he’s among the elite in the heavyweight division, this is the perfect opportunity for him. Lewis is a huge obstacle, but Gane has the skills and physical capabilities to upset the Black Beast. Gane is undefeated in nine pro MMA fights, with three knockout wins and three via submissions. He’s quick, athletic, and smart. Before coming over to the UFC, he put up a 13-0 record as a Muay Thai fighter. His striking skills should be able to keep Lewis at bay. He also has a two-inch reach advantage over Lewis and a slightly better 54 percent striking accuracy. In addition, Gane has 5.13 significant strikes landed per minute. In his last fight, Gane peppered Alexander Volkov with 135 significant strikes to just 115 by his opponent. The key for Gane is to outstrike Lewis and keep out of the latter’s power strikes. Blaydes was outstriking Lewis before getting knocked out in that fight.
Writer’s Prediction
Lewis wins via knockout.
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