UFC St. Louis Preview By Brett Cagle
Derrick Lewis (27-12) vs Rodrigo Nascimento (11-1)
The UFC returns to the Midwest with an exciting fight night card from Saint Louis. In the main event, former title challenger and fan favorite Derrick Lewis takes on surging Brazilian prospect Rodrigo Nascimento. Lewis was just defeated by Jailton Almeida and needs a win to get back into contention. Nascimento has won three fights in a row and is a talented grappler. Online sportsbooks have Lewis as the betting favorite (-172).
Nascimento will want to take this fight to the ground and avoid the big power of Lewis. In Lewis's 27 professional wins, 22 have ended by knockout. Nascimento has never been scheduled for five rounds and is facing a step up in competition.
Prediction: Derrick Lewis by KO/TKO
Joaquin Buckley (18-6) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (34-8)
The co-main event will feature a welterweight matchup between proven finishers. Saint Louis native Joaquin Buckley has won three in a row since moving down to 170 pounds. Buckley’s opponent Nursulton Ruziboev was a dominant force at Middleweight but will also be dropping down in weight for this contest. Ruziboev is 2-0 in the UFC with two knockouts and has not lost since 2019.
Ruziboev is massive for 170 pounds at 6-foot-5 and will have a significant height and reach advantage over Buckley. The length of Ruziboev may play a factor in this one. Buckley has struggled from distance in the past against opponents like Kevin Holland. There is no way I see this fight going the distance.
Prediction: Nursulton Ruziboev by KO/TKO
Waldo Cortes- Acosta (11-1) vs. Robelis Despaigne (5-0)
One of the most talented prospects in UFC heavyweight history has his second fight in the promotion this Saturday. Robelis Despaigne is an Olympic medalist in Taekwondo and broke the UFC’s reach record at 87.5 inches. The 6 '7 Despaigne has an average fight time of under 20 seconds. In his five professional victories, three have ended in 15 seconds or less. Cortes- Acosta is a former professional baseball player who relies on his big right hand.
Cortes-Acosta will have to show a newfound grappling game in this contest if he wants to find success. Despaigne is a sniper who can capitalize on any openings his opponent gives him on the feet. Currently, Despaigne is a betting favorite at online sportsbooks (-250).
Prediction: Robelis Despaigne by KO/TKO