Derrick Lewis talks about the challenge of facing Malhadinho in Brazil: “I have no problem with that”

Derrick Lewis (photo) is currently tenth in the UFC heavyweight rankings. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Derrick Lewis I didn't expect to receive a call from the UFC offering a fight against the Brazilian Jailton Malhadinho, but accepted the challenge without hesitation. The American replaced the injured player Curtis blaydes in the main fight of UFC Sao Paulo, which takes place on November 4th, at the Ibirapuera Gymnasium.

In an exclusive interview to the site SUPER FIGHTS, Lewis revealed the surprise of being selected to face Malhadinho, who is undefeated in the UFC with five consecutive victories, all by knockout or submission.

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“I just knew I wanted to fight this year. I didn't choose and didn't want to choose opponents. But I wasn't expecting it to happen. I was almost on vacation and I received a call from the UFC saying that I would have the fight and Jailton Almeida (Malhadinho) would be the opponent. I have no problem with that, to be honest,” Lewis said.

The duel between Lewis and Malhadinho promises to be a clash of styles between two explosive heavyweights. While the Brazilian has an average of 6,4 takedowns and 2,54 submission attempts every 15 minutes of fight, the North American has an average of 0,59 knockdowns every 15 minutes.

Derrick Lewis fights at UFC São Paulo

The fight between Lewis and Malhadinho will be the first time that the UFC has held an event in Brazil since January this year, in UFC 283, which was marked by the retirement of Glover Teixeira in defeat against Jamahal hill. The card of UFC Sao Paulo also has other attractions, the brothers “Marreta”, Gabriel and Ismael Bonfim, Caio Borralho e Rudolph Vieira.

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