UFC Vegas 19 video recap: Derrick Lewis knocks out Curtis Blaydes in the second round

Derrick Lewis knocked out Curtis Blaydes in the second round of their main event showing at UFC Vegas 19.

What was the high point of the fight?

The first round between Lewis and Blaydes was more of a feeling out process with both men picking their shots. Blaydes was much more active than Lewis, rushing in on occasion and landing a few right hands before getting out of the range of his opponent. Blaydes had yet to shoot for a takedown at this point, but that all changed in the second round.

After a brief exchange from both men, Blaydes went for a takedown but it was immediately stuffed by Lewis. A break in the action was called after Lewis appeared to complain about another eye poke, but that was quickly deemed a slap by referee Herb Dean and the fight resumed. Blaydes then attempted his second takedown and Lewis landed an uppercut just as he was coming in. The reaction was delayed, but Blaydes would soon drop to the canvas where Lewis followed up with two extra shots on the ground before Dean stepped in to call off the fight.

Where do they go from here?

Lewis is now on a four-fight win steak and just took out the No. 2 ranked heavyweight in his division. During his post-fight interviews, Lewis mentioned the names of current champion Stipe Miocic and Alistair Overeem, but the winner of Ciryl Gane vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik would make the most sense for his next move.

Blaydes was probably going to be the next title challenger had he won this fight, but now he will have to work his way back up. It is hard to choose a name for Blaydes since he has already beaten most of the men in the top 10, so he will have to wait for a few fights to play out before getting his next assignment.

Watch it now, later or never?

Lewis delivered another spectacular knockout. Of course you have to watch it now.