FridayOL

Former UFC champion and analyst Daniel Cormier is making a compelling case for a Derrick Lewis vs. Tom Aspinall heavyweight title fight. Following Tom Aspinall's dominant victory over Curtis Blaydes, questions abound regarding who will challenge the new champion. Cormier, a respected voice in the MMA community, believes Lewis, despite a recent slump, possesses a unique skillset and experience that warrants serious consideration.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Derrick Lewis gets the next shot,” Cormier stated during a recent discussion. “When you look at the heavyweight division, there aren’t a lot of guys who have the experience and the power that Derrick Lewis possesses.”

Aspinall's reign is just beginning, and the UFC faces the challenge of finding a worthy opponent who can test the champion's skills. While names like Tai Tuivasa and Jailton Almeida have been mentioned, Cormier argues that Lewis’s track record and devastating striking power make him a dangerous and intriguing matchup.

Lewis, nicknamed 'El Presidente,' has long been a fan favorite due to his entertaining fighting style and charismatic personality. He holds the record for most knockouts in UFC history, a testament to his explosive power. Although he has suffered a few losses in recent years, his resume boasts victories over numerous top contenders, including Fabricio Werdum and Alistair Overeem. His experience navigating the championship waters also gives him an edge.

The argument isn't solely based on nostalgia or popularity. Cormier suggests that Aspinall’s style, characterized by his technical striking and grappling, could be uniquely challenged by Lewis’s raw power and unpredictable attacks. “Tom Aspinall is a very technical fighter, but Derrick Lewis is a dangerous man,” Cormier explained. “You don’t want to just give someone a title shot based on rankings alone. You want to give someone a title shot based on how dangerous they are.”

The UFC likely weighs several factors when making title fight decisions, including fighter marketability, potential storylines, and the overall competitiveness of the matchup. While a fight between Aspinall and a rising contender might generate buzz, a clash with the veteran Lewis could provide a compelling narrative: a young, technical champion facing a seasoned veteran with a history of delivering knockout finishes.

Whether or not Lewis ultimately gets the opportunity remains to be seen. However, Cormier’s endorsement adds fuel to the fire, suggesting that 'El Presidente' still has a place in the UFC's heavyweight title picture. The prospect of Lewis’s power against Aspinall’s precision is an intriguing one, and one that could deliver a memorable moment for MMA fans worldwide.