Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s newest look at MMA. Every Friday, this column will offer insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.
Derrick Lewis: “I’m dedicating this fight to my mother. I’m doing that to let her know I never gave up, and we’re finally living a happy life.”
A win in the Octagon on Saturday would elevate Derrick Lewis into a whole new tier of stardom.
Already possessing the most knockouts (12) in UFC heavyweight history, Lewis (25–7) seeks to KO the undefeated Ciryl Gane and capture the interim heavyweight title.