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Derrick Lewis just won a unanimous decision over Ilir Latifi on the UFC 247 PPV main card.
The UFC 247 main card just kicked off with the promotion’s #6 ranked heavyweight, Derrick Lewis, colliding with the #12 ranked light heavyweight moving up, Ilir Latifi. Lewis started strong, showing some newly added strikes to his arsenal, but Latifi leaned on his grappling in the second. In the final round, Lewis came on late to hurt Latifi, which ultimately secured him the unanimous decision. All in all, it was a great win for Lewis, and a solid heavyweight debut for Latifi.
The fighters clinched up and as soon as they broke apart Latifi seemed to be having an eye issue. Lewis landed a flying knee but Latifi ate it like a boss. Latifi tried to get the takedown, but Lewis managed to remain vertical. Lewis threw a head kick that was blocked, showing off some new wrinkles in his game. Latifi looked to clinch, holding Lewis against the fence.
Lewis opened up the second act with another lead head kick, but Latifi blocked it. Latifi started to attack with leg kicks which appeared to be effective. Latifi went back to his stalling technique against the cage. When Lewis through a knee, Latifi locked up a body lock to achieve a takedown. Lewis struggled to get to his feet, but luckily for him the referee stood them up. On the feet, Lewis tried to throw strikes but Latifi took him back to the mat.
In the final round, Lewis threw another flying knee that put himself right back in the clinch. From there, Latifi was able to secure another takedown. After a bit, Lewis got back to his feet. He tried to bomb away but found himself back in the clinch. Latifi went for another takedown but Lewis sprung right back to his feet. Lewis connected and rocked Latifi, and landed some more blows. Somehow Latifi stayed on his feet and the fight went the distance.
Derrick Lewis def. Ilir Latifi by unanimous decision (29-28 x3): Heavyweight
Seriously, who told @TheBeast_UFC he could do this?! #UFC247 pic.twitter.com/bJASk3cWan
— UFC (@ufc) February 9, 2020