Ahead of UFC Vegas 65, we take a look at the odds, and predictions for the main card
Derrick Lewis, the No. 7 heavyweight in the world, and Sergey Spivak, the No. 12, will square off in a thrilling main event when the UFC returns to the APEX facility for UFC Vegas 65. The UFC’s all-time knockout record holder, Lewis, fighting out of Houston, Texas, returns to action this weekend. The Texas challenger beat Chris Daukaus, Curtis Blaydes, and Aleksei Oleinik in highlights-reel finishes owing to his knockout power. Lewis now aims to defeat Spivac in a spectacular way and return to the title contention picture.
Meanwhile, Spivak aims to make his first-ever appearance in the elite category of the heavyweights by breaking into the top five. The “Polar Bear,” a competent finisher, has triumphed over Augusto Sakai, Tai Tuivasa, and Greg Hardy. Spivac wants to take advantage of his first UFC main event appearance by defeating Lewis in dominant fashion.
In the co-main event of UFC Vegas 65, Kennedy Nzechukwu and Ion Cutelaba will square off in a clash that has Fight of the Night potential. Nzechukwu is a Dana White’s Contender Series inductee who aims to rise to the occasion and produce a statement-making performance. His last three victories over Karl Roberson, Danilo Marques, and Carlos Ulberg all came via knockouts. The native of Nigeria is determined to defeat Cutelaba decisively and earn his biggest victory yet. By entering the light heavyweight rankings, Cutelaba hopes to regain his previous momentum.
Derrick Lewis vs. Sergey Spivak
On August 28, 2013, Lewis’ was scheduled to face Nandor Guelmino for his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Kampmann 2. Lewis, however, had to withdraw due to an injury, forcing the fight to be called off. Instead, Lewis faced Jack May in his UFC on Fox: Werdum vs. Browne debut on April 19, 2014. In the opening round, he emerged victorious by TKO.
Lewis’ best run came between 2015 to 2017, amassing 6 victories, five of which came by finishes. He beat notable names like Travis Browne and Roy Nelson in the process.
On November 3, 2018, at UFC 230, Lewis competed against Daniel Cormier in his first shot at the UFC Heavyweight Championship. It was the first time he had ever been submitted in his professional MMA match when he was defeated in the second round by a rear-naked choke.
Derrick Lewis is currently on a two-fight losing skid. On February 12, 2022, Lewis and Tai Tuivasa squared off at UFC 271 in Houston, Texas. Lewis was defeated in the second round by KO. Lewis and Sergei Pavlovich squared off months later at UFC 277. The stoppage of the fight was disputed by both fighters and spectators as being premature. ‘Black Beast’ lost the fight via TKO just 55 seconds into the first round.
At the age of 19, Sergey Spivak made his professional mixed martial arts debut in September 2014 with the Ukrainian organization Real Fight Promotion. Andrey Serebrianikov was the first opponent he faced. He won the fight by TKO.
At the age of 23, Spivak made his UFC debut during UFC Fight Night 151 against Walt Harris, taking Alexey Oleynik’s place. He suffered the first setback of bis career in that fight. Sergey was pushed up against the cage by Harris, who then dazed him with a left straight before dropping him to the ground with a barrage of knees. The referee declared Harris the winner after 50 seconds via technical knockout after a series of grounded blows.
Currently, he’s on a two-fight winning streak, holding victories over Augusto Sakai and Greg Hardy.
Odds: Derrick Lewis +150 vs. Serghei Spivac -175 [favorite]
Our Prediction: Derrick Lewis is on a downward spiral and has looked like the shadow of his former self in recent fights. Lewis gas tank has been a lingering issue for the American and Spivak might look to capitalize on that. The Moldovan fighter needs to wade out the initial onslaught of Lewis and things might work in his favor. Having said that, Lewis wants to put on a show for the fans for as long as he decides to keep fighting.
With that in mind, we believe Derrick Lewis wins the fight by knockout in the first round.
UFC Vegas 65 Main Card Odds
Ion Cuțelaba +145 vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu -170 [favorite]
Rodolfo Vieira -180 [favorite] vs. Cody Brundage +155
Chase Sherman +160 vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta -185 [favorite]
Andre Fialho +110 vs. Muslim Salikhov -130 [favorite]
Jack Della Maddalena -450 [favorite] vs. Danny Roberts
UFC Vegas 65 Preliminary Card Odds
Charles Johnson -165 [favorite] vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov +140
Jennifer Maia +150 vs. Maryna Moroz -175 [favorite]
Vince Morales +120 vs. Miles Johns -140 [favorite]
Kevin Natividad +135 vs. Ricky Turcios -155 [favorite]
Vanessa Demopoulos +100 vs. Maria Oliveira -120
Brady Hiestand -155 [favorite] vs. Fernie Garcia +135
Natália Silva -175 vs. Tereza Bleda +150
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