UFC Fight Night – Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira: Preview & Betting Tips

We all know what Lewis’ gameplan is by now: look for that one big punch that can put any man on the planet unconscious. His best way of finding this fight ending shot is to pressure Teixeira early, catch him with a clean counter, and swarm when he eventually sees an opening.

Lewis is most dangerous in the first two rounds, so Teixeira must stay disciplined defensively, use his four inch reach advantage and use kicks to keep distance, and drag the fight into deeper waters. Teixeira’s youth, volume striking and his much quicker feet should give him the edge. 

However, one thing to note is that whilst Lewis is the smaller man, it’s not always an advantage to be as tall as Teixeira is, especially when you are fighting someone that loves to explode into the pocket and throw overhands. Teixeira will eat a big overhand if he attempts to exit out standing tall in this one.

Lewis vs Teixeira: Prediction & Betting Tips

It does look as though the American is coming towards the end of his career, but we’ve seen him in this situation before against heavyweight prospects, and often he’s shown them there are levels to this. 

The Brazilian carries power and accuracy, but he’s not yet faced anyone with the same sort of experience as Lewis. Usually when two monstrous punchers collide, the fight is expected to end in round one, and that may well be the case. I personally favour Teixeira more as the fight goes on into round 3 and beyond. 

We all know Lewis carries naturally gifted power, and this is far more dangerous in the first round than it is in the third for example. This is why I would be shocked if Teixeira decides to fight fire with fire from the off. Of course, he can end Lewis in one shot himself, but it’d be much smarter if he fought measured in the first and dragged it into round 2 where he can start to deplete the veteran.

At odds of 4.20 to get a KO/TKO win, I’m going to wager something on Derrick Lewis purely just for value. However, I do think Tallison Teixeira should be getting the job done here if he wants to live up to the hype.