Derrick Lewis‘ flaws are probably going to keep him from becoming a serious heavyweight contender.
But woe be to the opponent who finds himself on the wrong end of “The Black Beast’s” heavy hands.
Lewis survived a first-round submission attempt by South African veteran Ruan Potts, then went on to bludgeon his foe. Lewis won via second-round TKO over Potts on Saturday night in at UFC 184 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The stoppage came at 3:18.
Lewis had dropped Potts in the first round, but walked right into a deep leg lock — one fight after walking straight into a Matt Mitrione knockout. But the Houston native showed poise and rolled with it several times before finally breaking free.
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Then he unleashed the onslaught. Potts appeared to have enough by the end of round one. He took more of a beating in round two, as referee Jarin Valel let things go on for way too long. Lewis unleashed a ground-and-pound assault until the fight was finally waved off.
“That fight should have been over with in the first round,” said Lewis (12-4), who has scored 11 of his 12 wins by knockout or TKO. He’s won eight of his past nine fights.