Honestly, everybody wants a win each and every single time they step foot inside the Octagon. But at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Lewis event, some need it a little more.
The card features a heavyweight battle between Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis. Now, neither Blaydes nor Lewis are on that “need” in terms of a win, but it is a key one for Blaydes.
Regarded as the No. 2 contender in the division, a win would keep him right in line for challenging the winner of Stipe Miocic vs. Francis Ngannou. But a win for Lewis could really boost his morale.
Which is why it is so important to get your hand raised when you step into the cage.
Here are a few others that could really keep 2021 going strong for them with a victory Saturday night live on ESPN+.
Luis Pena
Pena has gone 1-2 over his last three fights, including a submission loss to Khama Worthy in 2020. While he is 8-3 overall with four wins inside the Octagon, the roster is packed with top fighters and Pena needs to stay focused and in the win column to keep his position.
Eddie Wineland
The career of the 36-year-old Wineland is winding down, and honestly, this could be it for him regardless of the outcome. Wineland is just 1-3 over his last four dating back to 2016, but will always have his WEC title reign to look fondly back on.
Aiemann Zahabi
After starting his career 7-0 with a win in his UFC debut, Zahabi has lost his last two. He also has been out of action often, fighting in 2017 and again two years later. It probably goes without saying that Zahabi faces a must-win situation.
Jai Herbert
Prior to his loss to Francisco Trinaldo last year, Herbert had won six in a row. However, none of those took place in the UFC, as the Trinaldo fight marked his debut. Starting 0-2 with your new promotion is never ideal.