UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall offered candid remarks regarding Derrick Lewis's recent showing at UFC 324, where Lewis suffered an unexpected second-round knockout loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Although sidelined with an eye injury, Aspinall remained a keen observer of the heavyweight division, particularly the bout between Lewis and Acosta. He openly criticized Lewis's apparent lack of agility and inability to recover during the fight, while also acknowledging Cortes-Acosta's strong performance.
Aspinall's Candid Assessment of Lewis's Defeat at UFC 324
On a recent Saturday night, the mixed martial arts world witnessed a surprising turn of events at UFC 324. Derrick Lewis, a veteran of the sport, faced Waldo Cortes-Acosta in a match that drew the attention of many, including the reigning heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall. Despite Aspinall's current recovery from an eye injury, he remained engaged with the division, meticulously observing the contenders. Lewis's performance raised eyebrows, as he appeared unusually sluggish throughout the encounter. The decisive moment came in the second round when Lewis went down from what many perceived as a relatively light jab, leading to his eventual defeat. This particular sequence led some viewers to dub it a 'phantom punch' due to its unexpected nature.
Aspinall, who chose to watch the recorded fights the following day to capture his reactions for his YouTube channel, wasted no time in expressing his disapproval. He specifically honed in on Lewis's movements, remarking on his perceived slowness and difficulty maintaining balance. "He's fell over, he's fell over," Aspinall exclaimed during his commentary, adding, "Come on Derrick, you can't just fall over. If you're going to fall over at least try to get up." He further elaborated on Lewis's lack of speed, stating, "Waldo is just younger, sharper, Derrick is very slow. He tries the odd thing but you can see it a mile away." Aspinall's disappointment was evident as he eventually fast-forwarded to the fight's conclusion, reiterating his concern over Lewis's inability to recover from falling. Despite his pointed criticisms of Lewis, Aspinall did offer praise for Cortes-Acosta, acknowledging his impressive display in what was only his eighth UFC appearance.
This candid assessment from a fellow fighter like Aspinall underscores the high standards and competitive nature within the UFC. It highlights how even established veterans can face scrutiny when their performance falls short of expectations, and how rising talents can quickly gain recognition. Aspinall's remarks serve as a reminder of the constant evolution and challenges faced by athletes in the demanding world of mixed martial arts.