ROUNDTABLE: Who wins the Fabricio Werdum vs. Derrick Lewis fight and why?

Who wins the Fabricio Werdum vs. Derrick Lewis fight and why?

ROBERT VALLEJOS, MMATorch Contributor

While it is much easier to root for Derrick Lewis in this fight; I find it difficult to pick against Fabrício Werdum. Despite his advanced age, Werdum has shown little signs of dramatic decline. His last fight with Alistair Overeem was ugly, but that can be credited/blamed on Overeem. Lewis is a fun fighter and a likeable guy, but it is hard to pick him after his uninspired performance against Mark Hunt.

FRANK HYDEN, MMATorch Contributor

I’m going with Lewis to pull what I will consider an upset and stop Werdum by TKO in 1st round. I think Lewis will show great power and win in explosive fashion. Some of this might be that I’m dreading the alternative, which is Werdum getting Lewis down and laying on him for 3 rounds. So my prediction might be based more on hope than anything else, but we’ll see. A Werdum submission is also possible but I have to think Lewis is prepared to keep the fight standing in order to avoid such a thing.

COLE HENRY, MMATorch Contributor

On paper this is a fight that Werdum should dominate. He is the quicker, and more diverse striker, and his grappling game is on a different planet than Derrick Lewis’. Still though, this is a heavyweight fight, and power matters perhaps above all else, and power is just what Derrick Lewis has a lot of. I think that Werdum will pick Lewis apart, and submit him in the second round, but if Lewis can land one of those bear paws he could easily send Werdum home with a serious headache, and a KO loss.

ZACK HEYDORN, MMATorch Contributor

I’m going firmly with Derrick Lewis here. Admittedly, part of that decision takes into account my absolute disdain for Fabricio Werdum. That said, Lewis has the tools to win. He’s changed his training habits and needs to avenge his most recent loss to Mark Hunt. I dislike Werdum and I like guys who have something to fight for. It’ll be close, but I’m going with Lewis via decision.

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