Following a dynamic UFC 270 card, this weekend’s main event card will feature some stellar mixed martial arts action. In the second main event, heavyweights Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa will square off for a chance to shoot up their weight class rankings. However, the match of the night will be the middleweight championship rematch between the challenger Robert Whittaker and the champion Israel Adesanya.
Below, SBS will break down these two main matches and what to look for from each competitor.
| UFC 271 Main Card Fight Spotlights | The Pick |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whittaker vs. Adesanya | Adesanya | -260 | -260 | -260 |
| Lewis vs. Tuivasa | Tuivasa | +155 | +155 | +155 |
What to look for from: Israel Adesanya
Since their collision at UFC 243, Adesanya has been a shooting star in the middleweight division. After knocking out Whittaker in the second round at 243 to unify the middleweight title (Adesanya was the interim champion at the time), the 32-year old Nigerian has gone 3-1 in fights since. However, his only loss is sort of a misnomer since it was to go up a weight class and fight for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259. With an unblemished middleweight record at 20-0, Adesanya has a ton of momentum heading into Houston. As far as how the fight might end up, the Nigerian-born fighter has notched 15 of his 21 wins by way of knockout and is a fierce striker and kickboxer.
What to look for from: Robert Whittaker
Opposing Adesanya will be the challenger Whittaker who is a tough striker as well and has earned the nickname of “Bobby Knuckles”. A former interim UFC Middleweight Champion, Whittaker currently holds a 23-5 record in MMA and is riding a three-fight win streak with all the victories coming by way of unanimous decision. However, he has not fought since April of 2021 so there could be some ring rust there. Nonetheless, the Australian is a talented competitor who will make for a strong opponent against Adesanya. If the fight does go the distance then that is where Whittaker could have the edge but it will be an uphill battle.
Prediction: This will be a tough bout, but look for Adesanya to retain the title by way of unanimous decision.
What to look for from: Derrick Lewis
The record holder for most knockouts in UFC history, the “Black Beast” is always a must-watch fighter. Since his loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC 265 for the interim UFC Heavyweight Championship, Lewis rebounded with a knockout victory over Chris Daukaus at UFC Fight Night in December. With 21 of his 26 victories coming by way of knockout, there is perhaps no other fighter that is as devastating with his hands than the Cypress, Texas native. Currently, recognized as the No. 3 competitor in the heavyweight division, Lewis can also mix it up on the ground as illustrated by his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
What to look for from: Tai Tuivasa
Opposite of Lewis will be the 28-year old Tuivasa also known as “Bam Bam”. A professional fighter since 2012, Tuivasa currently holds an MMA record of 13-3 and an impressive professional kickboxing record of 14-2. After a three-game losing streak from 2018-19, Tuivasa has strung together four consecutive wins all of which coming by way of knockout, including a first-round victory over former NFL player Greg Hardy. The Australian has earned three Performance of the Night bonus awards throughout his UFC career and this upcoming battle with Lewis will be a great test in determining if he is ready to challenge for the heavyweight crown.
Prediction: Lewis and Tuivasa clashing will be a great illustration of power in the UFC. With being capable very competitors, look for youth to have the slight edge here with Tuivasa coming away with the victory.
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About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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