UFC 230: Cormier vs Lewis Odds, Preview and Prediction

The UFC heavyweight title will be on the line as champion Daniel Cormier faces the #2 ranked heavyweight in Derrick Lewis at the main event of UFC 230 on Saturday, November 3rd at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Cormier is only the second fighter in UFC history (after Conor McGregor) to hold two world titles at the same time. He achieved that feat at UFC 226 last July 8 when he knocked out Stipe Miocic to become the UFC heavyweight champion. He will be defending the heavyweight belt for the first time against a surprise opponent.

But perhaps that Volkov fight was what earned the Black Beast this title fight. Lewis’ dramatic knockout win over Drago was one for the ages. And then of course, who could forget his epic post fight interview where he took off his shorts because “his balls was hot”. Classic Derrick Lewis. Less than a week after that win, it was announced that Lewis would face Cormier in the main event of UFC 230. Everyone was shocked, including Lewis himself. At the right price though, the Black Beast could not say no and so we have a fight.

My Balls Was Hot

Derrick Lewis is a fan favorite in the UFC not only because of his brutal knockouts but also because he says what he wants say in his interviews. In his most recent post fight interview, everyone recalls Lewis taking off his shorts and telling Joe Rogan “his balls was hot.”. Well, that line may have probably earned the Black Beast his spot at Saturday’s main event.

Lewis is easy to describe and not difficult to analyze. He’s a true heavyweight who needs to cut weight to make the 265 pound weight limit. The 33-year old from Houston only knows one way to fight and that is to punch his way to victory. 18 of his 21 wins have been by knockout and Lewis possesses one of the most destructive hands in the business. Because of his size, he gasses often. He doesn’t have good cardio but has tons of fighting heart. It also helps that he has a granite chin that makes him withstand punishment and take his fights to the trenches

An All-Time Great

For a long time, people made fun of Daniel Cormier because he was the light heavyweight champion but could not beat the best light heavyweight of this generation. Cormier’s MMA career has always been linked to his rival Jon Jones. Jones beat him twice, both in world title fights, but Jones’ off octagon antics have ruined his career. From brushes with the law and violations of the UFC’s anti-drug policy, Jones lost his title to Cormier (but not inside the octagon)  twice. But after Cormier knocked out Miocic, he finally earned his rank as an all-time great.

Cormier is one of the best wrestlers to ever set foot inside the UFC octagon. Being a former collegiate wrestling elite, Cormier uses his supreme wrestling to dominate his opponents. Cormier has also developed a very good striking game which was on display against Miocic. He isn’t known for his punching power but he’s produced back to back knockout wins over Volkan Oezdemir and Miocic.

Prediction

Barring any untoward incident, Daniel Cormier is expected to win this fight, keep his belt and set up a showdown with Brock Lesnar. However, when you’re fighting a guy like Derrick Lewis, it’s never over until the fat lady sings. You can ask Alexander Volkov that because Drago was 21 seconds away from victory when Lewis connected a massive right hand.

Cormier isn’t going to try to win this fight on his feet. Not with the kind of punching power that Derrick Lewis has. Sure, DC is going to try and strike from a distance and land his jabs and combinations but why risk getting nailed by a hammer from Derrick Lewis? No question, Daniel Cormier is more skilled on his feet and on the ground against Derrick Lewis. There is no question that Derrick Lewis’ best chance to win this fight is via knockout. But remember that Lewis beat a cautious Francis Ngannou to a decision. DC can’t be too cautious here

Over/Under

The over/under line for this title bout has been set at 1.5 rounds.

Method Of Victory

Cormier is the favorite here and most likely, he’s going to win this fight but at -675? I think that’s too pricey. However, if you add a method of victory to Daniel Cormier’s win, you’ll get much more tempting odds:

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