UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Lewis betting odds and preview

The heavyweight division’s best striker faces off against its premier takedown specialist when Derrick Lewis (24-7) confronts Curtis Blaydes (14-2) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday, Nov. 28. BetAmerica has the betting oddds and preview you need before the bell rings.

Brawn vs. Brawn

Though Blaydes got the second degree from Dana White for his conservative win over Alexander Volkov, he is by no means a safety-first fighter. Blaydes is capable of producing some cringe-inducing strikes from his stand up, but he smartly uses his wrestling for his best work. Against Lewis, he has an opponent he can’t wantonly engage without some caution.

Lewis is the best pure striker of the heavyweights, gifted with the touch of sleep if his opponent gets careless. The one thing that doesn’t work in his favor is his poor takedown defense. While it’s not out of the question that Lewis can chin check Blaydes, it’s win early or not at all for "The Black Beast."

Blaydes’ conditioning will be key

Fending off a capable wrestler is a big ask for anyone, but when you couple that with a fighter that has legitimate power, it could be a nightmare scenario. Blaydes is nimble on his feet and aggressive with his takedowns, and he isn’t going to let an opening to gas Lewis out go to waste.

Lewis is strong, but he’s nowhere near as proficient as the opponents Blaydes has savaged in the past. If Lewis starts telegraphing his shots as Blaydes closes the distance between them, he’s going to get real familiar with the canvas. Eventually, Lewis is going to be too out of it to land anything with conviction.

"Razor" will look extra sharp in this fight

A cautious first few minutes will determine the pacing of the fight. Ultimately, Blaydes has too many tools for Lewis and is on a hot streak right now. Blaydes is all but set to manhandle one of the heaviest hitters in the division once the proceedings are underway.

Once Blaydes starts scoring takedowns, it will also lead to success in his stand up, and he’ll start to bust Lewis open. This fight go past two rounds, and Blaydes will stand tall with a vicious stoppage win.

MMA pick: Blaydes (-400)