Derrick Lewis isn’t in danger of losing his UFC spot.
” The Black Beast” lost his third straight loss on Saturday, and his fourth defeat in five of his previous fights. He was forced to submit in the first round by Serghei SPIVAC in UFC Vegas 68.. It was a literal flawless victory for Spivac, as the 37-year-old Lewis landed zero strikes on just three attempts en route to one of the most lopsided setbacks of his 26-fight octagon career.
“Listen. I have a lot respect for Derrick Lewis,” UFC President Dana White said to reporters Saturday at the UFC Vegas 68 press conference. He is a great guy. He was beaten up tonight. Spivac was very good. He made a big statement tonight.”
Spivac’s win keeps Lewis mired in the toughest stretch of his UFC run. Lewis is a long-standing champion of heavyweight boxing. However, his success in the division has been tempered by his defeats to Spivac (and Sergei Pavlovich) in the past four minutes.
White assured Lewis that Lewis’ promotion status will not be affected by Saturday’s results.
“Not for me,” White stated. “I love the guy. I love him, so he’s not going anywhere.”
As for Spivac, the 28-year-old up-and-comer has quietly emerged as a dark horse in the heavyweight division. “Polar Bear” has won three consecutive fights via stoppage and holds a 6-1 record over his past seven UFC appearances.
Fresh off the biggest win of his career, Spivac reiterated his desire for a highly-ranked opponent next as he pursues a chance to break into UFC title contention.
“We need somebody from top five,” Spivac said.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/5/23586376/dana-white-ensures-derrick-lewis-not-going-anywhere-despite-ufc-slump-i-love-the-guy?rand=96749
