The UFC returns to the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, this Saturday. Heavyweight contenders will throw down in the evening’s co-main event, and we’re supplementing all your wagering needs. Read on for our complete betting guide taking a first look at Derrick Lewis vs. Tai Tuivasa, including the updated UFC odds and our free expert UFC 271: Adesanya vs. Whittaker II event betting picks, predictions, and analysis.
UFC Heavyweight Main Card Bout
Saturday, February 12, 2022 – 10:00 PM EST at Toyota Center
After losing the interim heavyweight title bout at UFC 265 to Ciryl Gane in Houston, "The Black Beast," Derrick Lewis wastes no time seeking redemption. It's been less than 10-weeks since Lewis knocked out Chris Daukaus, but reparation won't be achieved until he delivers for his home state of Texas.
Owning the most knockout victories in UFC history is a scary factor to come up against, and this is what Lewis' opponents must reflect on when faced with the Houston native. To make matters worse for the opposition, Lewis has the opportunity to break the record for most overall finishes in UFC Heavyweight division history this weekend.
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Make no mistake; while Lewis can break more records on Saturday night, his primary focus will be on the number one contender position for Francis Ngannou's championship title – the man he once defeated.
Derrick Lewis Best Available Odds: (-181) with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Since arriving on the UFC roster in 2017, Tai Tuivasa's 7-3 promotional record has been assisted with six impressive knockouts. He isn't matching the record numbers of his opponent, but there's no doubting the power behind Australia's most popular heavyweight.
Now known for being a close friend of the Nelk Boys and his patented 'Shoey' celebration, Tuivasa can propel his name into title contention should he succeed in front of Lewis' hometown.
The former boxer turned MMA professional will undoubtedly be overlooked this weekend. Still, an age, speed, and technical advantage could welcome a shoe filled with beer for a fifth consecutive time.
Tai Tuivasa Odds: (+160 ) with BetOnline
There's no secret in Lewis' typical approach to fighting in the octagon, he doesn't pretend to be anything he isn't, and the main focus of Houston's finest is to leave his foes unconscious.
Allowing Lewis to let his fists fly will only result in one outcome, and very few have survived the god-like strength behind his combinations.
For Tuivasa, you can accredit him for a slightly greater technical approach than Lewis, where low kicks and strategically implemented game plans have surfaced in the past.
However, Tuivasa has been known to allow wild exchanges to take place, a position he may want to reconsider when facing the power of Lewis.
Avoiding a connection between his face and Lewis' hands may be impossible; Tuivasa will own a size and power disadvantage. Although the Australians power isn't to be undermined, playing the drawn-out and technical game may be just as challenging as deciding on an all-out brawl.
The available odds at Bookmakers Review are siding with Derrick Lewis, but I'd rather rely on this fight ending quick instead of paying the additional juice.
One of these men will likely go to sleep, making the under one and a ½ rounds at -165 become a tempting piece of value.
UFC Pick: Under 1 ½ rounds (-165 )[1.65u to win 1u] with BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.