Curtis Blaydes: Derrick Lewis is a Hater’s “Best Shot” to “Get Rid” of Him

Curtis Blaydes isn’t afraid to fire back at his critics and to defend his wrestling-centric style. So, if you want the heavyweight’s title shot run to come to a halt, Blaydes says a fight with Derrick Lewis is your only chance.

Blaydes saws Lewis is critics “best shot”

As Blaydes has worked his way into the title shot mix, the 29-year-old has proudly, and understandably, defended his wrestling heavy approach. After all, Blayde has gone 9-2, with 1 no-contest in the UFC to date, and his only losses have come against Francis Ngannou.

Further, it’s also worth noting that Blaydes has finished multiple opponents in the Octagon, and decisively so. 

Well, if you saw UFC Vegas 6 last weekend, you know that Lewis also took a step towards another title shot, by stopping Aleksei Oleinik. The victory was his third straight. 

Since then, Lewis has noted that Blaydes could be an opponent in the near future. In a more recent interview with MMA News, “Razor” had this to say about a showdown with Lewis (quotes via MMA Mania).

“I feel like if you want to get rid of me, have Derrick do it,” Blaydes said. “Because I don’t think anybody else can do it.

Like he’s your best shot. If the fans don’t want to hear me anymore, he’s the one to put me away. Because there won’t be anyone else.”

There you have it. From a rankings perspective, it certainly makes sense for Lewis and Blaydes to fight. Lewis is ranked #4 and Blaydes is #3.

Regardless of what happens in this weekend’s bout between Daniel Cormier and champion Stipe Miocic, the consensus is that Ngannou will be one of the men fighting for the belt next. 

Blaydes comments on Lewis’s latest win

During the interview, Blaydes also commented on Lewis’s win over Oleinik, and credited him for his performance. In the opening round, it looked like the “Boa Constrictor” might finish Lewis with a scarf hold choke.

But, the feared slugger battled through it, and finished the veteran in round two.

“Derek showed some pretty good submission defense,” Blaydes said. “I don’t know if it was his technique or just the fact that he has a really big head.

It was hard for Oleinik to submit him. But I was impressed by his defensive jiu-jitsu and he got the knockout.

Happy for him because that means we’re one step closer to fighting.”

It was yet another, memorable win for Lewis, no question. So, if these two heavyweights do finally battle, who do you think takes it?