UFC 232, which takes place this Saturday (Dec. 29, 2018, and is now situated in Los Angeles, Calif. (details), is locked in a logistical nightmare; however, that doesn’t mean we won’t get to see some fresh talent close out 2018. After a year of “New Blood,” which looked at each and every newbie to take their first steps into the Octagon, we cap things off with a breakdown of Jackson-Wink representative — and two-time “Contender Series” winner — Bevon Lewis.
Bevon “The Extraordinary Gentleman” Lewis
Weight Class: Middleweight
Age: 27
Record: 6-0 (3 KO)
Notable Victories: Elias Urbina, Alton Cunningham
Lewis made his first “Contender Series” appearance last year on Season One, knocking out Elias Urbina, but not impressing enough to get himself a contract. He returned to LFA for a routine decision victory, then smashed Alton Cunningham with knees in his second and more successful bid at “Contender Series” gold.
Lewis trains with Jon Jones and drew comparisons from commentators. At 6’3” with a 79-inch reach, he certainly looks the part, but I personally don’t see him as all too similar to “Bones.” Lewis eschews Jones’ preferred linear kicks in favor of switch-hitting boxing at range, complemented by effective round kicks. As we saw in the Urbina fight, what he lacks in range control he makes up for in stopping power, particularly in his right hand.
Where the similarities lie is in their mutual comfort in the clinch. Lewis can deal significant damage at close range with knees and elbows, using his considerable reach to great effect. I haven’t seen much of his wrestling, but he used it to great effect between his “Contender Series” bouts, and he’s definitely got the training partners to make considerable strides in that area.
He doesn’t appear to have any standout weaknesses at the moment, though he did get hit more than one would like against Urbina. I’d like to see him incorporate some of Jones’ distance-management skills into his game.
Opponent: Lewis’ debut looks to be a unique one regardless of outcome. His opponent. Uriah Hall, alternates between world-beating talent and legendary underperformer. Lewis’ more rounded skillset and clinch dominance should net him the win, but don’t blink.
Tape:
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 232 fight card on fight night, starting with the Fight Pass “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, then the remaining undercard balance on FOX Sports 1 at 8 p.m. ET, before the pay-per-view (PPV) main card start time at 10 p.m. ET.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 232: “Jones vs. Gustafsson 2” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.
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