Imagine the roar of the crowd. You are watching a heavyweight slugfest. The fight seems to be slipping away. One fighter takes brutal punishment.
Then, in an instant, everything changes. A single punch lands clean. The arena erupts. This incredible drama unfolded at UFC 229, featuring Derrick Lewis vs Alexander Volkov.
The video above captures this very moment. It shows the raw power of ‘The Black Beast’. Derrick Lewis delivers one of the most unforgettable knockouts.
The Road to UFC 229: Derrick Lewis’s Pre-Fight Battles
Derrick Lewis faced unseen challenges before this fight. His career often involves overcoming adversity. A persistent back injury plagued him for years.
He was forced to pull out of a scheduled fight. This was against Fabricio Werdum in October 2017. Many questioned his long-term fighting future.
Yet, Lewis focused on recovery. He worked hard on posture and stretching. He felt his back had not been this good in years. This commitment showed his true fighting spirit.
Alexander Volkov: The Strategic Striker’s Approach
Alexander “Drago” Volkov entered the Octagon with a clear plan. He is known for his technical striking. Volkov aimed to keep Lewis at range.
He utilized jabs and teep kicks effectively. These strikes targeted Lewis’s body. They aimed to deplete his opponent’s gas tank.
Volkov also sought to exploit Lewis’s body. He landed sharp punches and knees. His strategy was to wear down Lewis methodically.
Early Rounds: Volkov’s Dominance and Lewis’s Resilience
Volkov started strong against Derrick Lewis. He landed significant body shots. A front kick to the body visibly hurt Lewis.
Lewis absorbed powerful uppercuts and counters. His left eye began to swell. Volkov even managed a high-amplitude takedown.
Despite this pressure, Lewis refused to quit. He defended well from his back. He showed his incredible toughness and heart.
Mid-Fight Strategy: Range Control vs. Power Shots
Volkov maintained his distance carefully. He continued to pepper Lewis with jabs and kicks. He avoided Lewis’s dangerous counter punches.
Commentators noted Volkov’s volume striking. He landed significantly more shots. Lewis, however, played a waiting game.
Lewis tried to bait Volkov into his power range. He pulled back, inviting Volkov forward. This was a classic high-stakes heavyweight chess match.
The Black Beast’s Unmatched Knockout Power
Derrick Lewis is famed for his “touch of death.” He can end a fight with one punch. He holds 9 UFC knockouts to his name. This ties him for second-most in UFC heavyweight history.
Six of these knockouts occurred on the ground. This demonstrates his versatility. His opponents know he carries power until the final bell.
Lewis often takes a lot of damage. He can appear tired or hurt. Yet, he always searches for that one fight-ending shot.
The Dramatic Turnaround at 4:49 in Round 3
The fight entered the final minute of Round 3. Volkov seemed to have the win secured. Lewis was exhausted and trailing on scorecards.
However, Lewis found a hidden reserve. He unleashed a powerful jab. This was followed by a devastating overhand right.
The punch landed clean on Volkov. “Drago” instantly crumpled to the canvas. Lewis then followed up with relentless ground and pound.
Referee Herb Dean called a stop to the contest. The official time was 4 minutes, 49 seconds of Round 3. Derrick Lewis secured a sensational knockout victory.
Understanding the Heavyweight Mindset
Heavyweight fights are inherently unpredictable. One punch can change everything. Fighters like Derrick Lewis embody this truth.
Their resilience is often legendary. They push through immense pain. They never stop looking for the finish.
This psychological toughness defines many careers. It inspires fans worldwide. The Derrick Lewis vs Alexander Volkov bout perfectly illustrates this.
Your Hard-Hitting Questions on the Lewis vs. Volkov Classic
What was the main fight discussed in the article?
The article focuses on a heavyweight mixed martial arts (MMA) fight between Derrick Lewis and Alexander Volkov that took place at UFC 229.
Who won the fight between Derrick Lewis and Alexander Volkov?
Derrick Lewis won the fight against Alexander Volkov by a dramatic knockout in the final minutes of the third round.
What is Derrick Lewis’s nickname and what is he known for?
Derrick Lewis is known as ‘The Black Beast’ and is famous for his incredible knockout power, often ending fights with a single punch even when he seems to be losing.
How did Alexander Volkov approach the fight against Lewis?
Alexander Volkov, nicknamed ‘Drago’, used a strategic striking approach, aiming to keep Lewis at a distance with jabs and kicks to wear him down methodically.
What was particularly dramatic about this specific fight?
The fight was dramatic because Lewis was taking a lot of damage and appeared to be losing on the scorecards, but he secured a powerful, last-minute knockout victory in Round 3.