HOUSTON – Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa share the same goal going into Saturday’s UFC 271 co-main event: win by knockout.
That should come as no surprise, however, because Lewis (26-8 MMA, 17-6 UFC) and Tuivasa (14-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) are currently two of the most prolific punchers in the heavyweight division. Putting them in the same octagon for the pay-per-view co-headliner – which follows prelims on ESPN and ESPN+ – at Toyota Center, is an explosive recipe.
Lewis already holds the record for most knockout wins in UFC history, and he made it clear at Thursday’s pre-fight press conference that he’s looking to add another one to his resume – but with no personal intentions.
“I’m coming to knock his ass out,” Lewis told reporters, including MMA Junkie in front of a noisy hometown Houston crowd. “With the utmost respect, though. I respect that man, but I’m coming to knock him out. With the utmost respect.”
Tuivasa minced no words in response, telling Lewis that he’s “coming to do the same thing, brother.”
The lead-up to the matchup has been largely lighthearted, with Lewis and Tuivasa discussing their interest – or lack thereof – in shoeys more than the fight itself.
Lewis is done talking about everything, though, and said he’s just ready to get in the octagon and throw down.
“Let’s swang and bang, then,” Lewis said. “No more talking.”
Although Lewis was done talking, Tuivasa wasn’t. “Bam Bam” is currently riding a four-fight winning streak, and beating Lewis would be the biggest accomplishment of his career thus far.
Tuivasa doesn’t appear interested in tactically trying to achieve victory, and said he’ll be going for the spectacular stoppage.
“It’s either going to be my head or his head,” Tuivasa said. “We entertain the fans, so we’re coming here to take heads off. That’s it.”
‘My head or his head’: Derrick Lewis, Tai Tuivasa plot UFC 271 finishes with ‘the utmost respect’