In the unpredictable realm of mixed martial arts, the journey to a championship defense is rarely a direct route. With Tom Aspinall recently crowned the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion, the immediate question reverberating through the combat sports community was clear: “Who steps into the Octagon next?” Conventional wisdom and the UFC`s official rankings would point directly to the formidable #1 contender, Ciryl Gane. However, a surprising and notably charismatic chorus of voices from prominent UFC analysts is championing a dramatically different, and arguably more polarizing, challenger: Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis.
The Enduring Appeal of “The Black Beast”
Derrick Lewis is a name that immediately evokes images of explosive knockouts and an even more explosive personality. As the undisputed holder of the UFC record for most KOs, his fights are rarely passive affairs, frequently concluding in a spectacular, blink-and-you-miss-it fashion. His recent performance at UFC Nashville served as a potent reminder of his appeal: a mere 35 seconds was all it took to dispatch Tallison Teixeira with a brutal TKO. This lightning-fast victory, delivered with his signature blend of raw power and unadulterated charisma, has emphatically reignited discussions about his immediate future, despite his current #9 ranking in the heavyweight division.
Beyond Rankings: The Potent Argument of “Name Value”
The crux of the unconventional argument for pitting Lewis against Aspinall, rather than the seemingly more logical Gane, resides in a concept far less tangible than divisional standings or win-loss tallies: “name value.” UFC veteran and analyst Alan Jouban, speaking on the UFC post-show, articulated this perspective with striking clarity: “Lewis probably has a bigger name value than a Ciryl Gane, who’s probably the guy that we’re thinking that would fight Tom Aspinall next… But Ciryl Gane, the name value is not quite there.”
This viewpoint, while potentially irksome to the purists who advocate for strict meritocracy, underscores a foundational truth about modern combat sports: commercial entertainment often strides hand-in-hand with athletic prowess. Gane, despite his exceptional technical skill and #1 ranking, is perceived by some as lacking the broad, mass appeal of Lewis, particularly after a less-than-thrilling performance against Jon Jones. Lewis, conversely, consistently delivers highlight-reel finishes and provides famously entertaining post-fight interviews, cultivating a massive and fiercely loyal following. Jouban`s strategic advice is direct and pragmatic: “After a performance like this, strike while the iron’s hot.”
A Strategic Maneuver: Paving the Way for a Future Super-Fight?
Adding another intriguing layer to this strategic puzzle is the potential for a blockbuster showdown between Tom Aspinall and the legendary Jon Jones. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman echoed Jouban`s sentiment, advocating for an Aspinall vs. Lewis bout as a calculated interim step. Weidman highlighted the significant wait anticipated for a potential Jones fight, which UFC President Dana White has openly championed as his “dream main event.”
“That’s gonna be another year, basically, to wait. Why not give Aspinall Derrick Lewis right now? A fight that people would love to see because Derrick Lewis has the potential to knock out everybody… And then you could start marketing for the next fight in July with Jon Jones.”
This proposed strategy frames the Lewis fight not merely as a standalone event, but as a shrewd, calculated move designed to keep Aspinall active, elevate his star power against a universally recognized knockout artist, and maintain promotional momentum while the highly anticipated clash with Jon Jones matures in the background. It represents a pragmatic decision that meticulously balances immediate excitement with ambitious, long-term promotional objectives.
The Unavoidable Truth: Lewis`s Title History
While the arguments favoring Lewis present a compelling commercial case, one cannot entirely disregard his past. Lewis holds an 0-2 record in UFC title fights and has suffered decisive defeats to several top contenders, including a lopsided loss to Ciryl Gane himself, and another to Jailton Almeida. For those who staunchly prioritize a meritocratic ladder within the sport, pitting the newly crowned champion against a fighter who has previously fallen short on the grandest stage and is currently ranked significantly lower might appear counterintuitive, perhaps even a contentious step backward for the division`s competitive integrity.
The current debate surrounding Tom Aspinall`s next opponent serves as a fascinating microcosm of the UFC`s perpetual balancing act: that of being both a legitimate, competitive sport and a sprawling, blockbuster entertainment enterprise. While Ciryl Gane logically stands as the undeniable next contender based on ranking and a strong performance record, the magnetic allure of Derrick Lewis`s explosive power and undeniable popularity offers a distinct kind of value. Regardless of whether the UFC ultimately opts for the traditional, ranking-based route or embraces the unconventional “Black Beast” gamble, the heavyweight division remains captivatingly unpredictable, poised for another chapter of high-stakes drama.
