Updated:
Feb 4, 2023
Heavyweight juggernauts Derrick Lewis and Sergey Spivak were scheduled to headline the main event at UFC Vegas 65 in November of 2022. On the night of the event, Lewis came down with a non-COVID related illness and could not participate in the fight. Three months later, the same two men are scheduled to meet in the main event of UFC Vegas 68. With the heavyweight championship up for grabs at UFC 285, Lewis and Spivak are fully aware that the winner of their match may very well get the first shot at the newly crowned champion. There’s a lot to unpack here; without further ado, let’s get into it!
Lewis vs. Spivak
I once criticized Derrick Lewis for one of his post-fight interviews. After becoming the UFC’s all-time leader in knockout victories, Lewis said that he was satisfied in participating in three-round fights and did not want to condition for a five-round championship fight. He has since taken back those comments and said that he would like a shot at the Heavyweight Championship. Although I stated that his remarks were disappointing, I am willing to accept the fact that he was basking in the moment, absorbed in the euphoria of breaking the all-time record, and is now ready to pursue the ultimate prize.
Although Lewis is one of the most dangerous mixed martial artists in the world, he finds himself in the midst of a less-than-stellar stretch of performances. He has lost three out of his last four fights, with all three defeats coming by way of knockout. At 37-years-old, his window of opportunity is beginning to close. If he is ever going to become the UFC’s Heavyweight Champion, he must act with a sense of urgency. Another loss could remove him from contention altogether.
At 28-years-old, Sergey Spivak is having one of the best stretches of his career. He has won five out of his last six bouts and has looked more impressive in each performance. His las two wins have come by knockout; he is beginning to live up to his nickname of “The Polar Bear.” Spivak is a former World Warriors Fighting Championships Heavyweight Champion; his goal now is to achieve that same level of success in the world’s most renowned mixed martial arts organization. You won’t want to miss it when Lewis and Spivak meet in the middle of the octagon!
Da Un vs. Clark
Before joining The UFC, Jung Da Un was once the Light Heavyweight Champion for HEAT MMA. Since relinquishing his title in 2019, he has enjoyed success in the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, amassing four wins, one draw and one defeat. At 29-years-old, he is in his physical prime yet he is still unranked. Breaking into the organization’s divisional Top-15 list is his next goal. However, doing so will be no easy task; the Light Heavyweight division has become increasingly competitive and may be the most top-heavy weight class outside of the lightweight division.
Devin Clark has lost three out of his last four fights. His lone victory during that time period came about during his Heavyweight debut, a knockout win against William Knight in April of last year. Although he has had a long tenure in The UFC, he is still on the outside looking in on the division’s Top-15 list. There are many who feel that it is time for the 32-year-old to make the permanent move to Heavyweight. Another loss on Saturday night could seal his fate and force him out of the Light Heavyweight division. There’s a lot at stake for both Jung Da Un and Devin Clark in their upcoming fight. Be sure to tune in!
Tybura vs. Ivanov
Outside of The UFC, M-1 Global may very well be the most respected mixed martial arts organization in the world. Once upon a time, Marcin Tybura was the reigning Heavyweight Champion of the organization. His victory, followed by two consecutive title defenses, was enough to gain the attention of the most renowned mixed martial arts organization in the world. Tybura joined The UFC’s roster in 2016, and has carved out a niche for himself; he is currently the number ten ranked heavyweight in the organization. However, a title shot has alluded him throughout his tenure in the organization. If he is to make a move towards becoming the champion, the time to act is now.
Blagoy Ivanov’s unanimous decision victory at UFC 274 in May of last year, marked a triumphant return from a 2-year absence from competition. Although, he has been seldom seen in the octagon over the last few years, he is still the fifteenth ranked heavyweight in the organization. While he is not seen as a legitimate title contender, he is still viewed as a great test for potential contenders who want to test their skills against a proven commodity. Tybura and Ivanov are sure to lay it all on the line when they meet in the center of the octagon. You won’t want to miss it!
Doo-Ho vs. Nelson
Featherweight prospects Choi Doo-Ho and Kyle Nelson are each in the midst of losing streaks. Doo-Ho has lost his last three fights, while Nelson has lost his last two. Neither man is currently ranked and there are rumors swirling about each man’s impending departure from the organization. Hence, both men will be fighting for a roster spot in their Saturday night matchup; expect to witness all of the intensity of a Contender Series octagon battle! Be sure to tune in when Doo-Ho and Nelson square off to keep their MMA dreams alive.
Kinoshita vs. Fugitt
Welterweight prospects Yusaku Kinoshita and Adam Fugitt are the two fighters with the least amount of experience on UFC Vegas 68’s main card. Kinoshita earned a spot on The UFC’s roster during The Contender Series in August of 2022. Meanwhile, Fugitt lost his organizational debut in July of last year. Each of these young fighters is competing for the respect of their peers and the organization. You want to miss it when these two hungry lions square off in the middle of the octagon!
How to watch
UFC Vegas 68 can be viewed on BT Sport in The United Kingdom and on ESPN Plus in The United States. As always, we’ll have all the latest updates about the outcomes of the fights, as well as in depth analysis, available right here at World in Sport!
