Daniel Cormier doesn’t think Derrick Lewis is a title contender anymore at heavyweight.
At UFC Vegas 68, Lewis is set to headline the card against Serghei Spivac in a fight that is rebooked after their November bout was scratched on the day of the event. Although Lewis still has the KO power, Cormier – who once fought Lewis – thinks ‘The Black Beast’ is done as a title contender.
Daniel Cormier Gives His Prediction for Derrick Lewis vs. Serghei Spivac
“I don’t know if Spivac is the guy,” Cormier said on his ESPN show “DC & RC.” “I’m trying not to insult Serghei Spivac, because I like the kid. I think he’s a nice guy. I think he’s a good fighter. … He’s still losing to the guys that are ranked very highly, and I just don’t know if Serghei is quite at that level.”
“So, I’m gonna tap in that Derrick Lewis wins the fight. I think he’s gonna knock him out, but I do believe that – I think Derrick’s done at the top. I think Derrick’s absolutely done at the top of the division. I just don’t know if he still can’t knock out No. 10, 11, 12, 13, because I just don’t think those guys are as good as they are.”
If Lewis does lose to Spivac his time as a title contender is likely over. However, he fired back at Daniel Cormier at media day saying a win gets him right back in the title mix. Lewis is currently ranked seventh at heavyweight and given he is a fan-favorite he could only need a couple of wins in a row to get another crack at the belt.
Derrick Lewis (26-10 and one No Contest) has suffered back-to-back stoppage losses to Sergei Pavlovich and Tai Tuivasa. Prior to that, he scored a KO win over Chris Daukaus to return to the win column after a TKO loss to Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title. His other time fighting for the belt was at UFC 230 where he was submitted by Daniel Cormier.
