The Prelim Breakout Star is a once per event article that helps fans get to know those who will be entertaining them from the undercard. The intention of the article is not to bring attention to the most talented fighter on the preliminary card, but rather one that the common fan may have overlooked or underestimated.
With all of the craziness of UFC 232 being moved to a new location, all of the attention is right on Jon Jones. Luckily, we’re here to remind you some other great fighters throw down on this card too.
Bevon Lewis
Nickname – The Extraordinary Gentleman
Affiliation – Jackson-Wink MMA
From – Long Beach, California
Height – 6’3″
Weight – 185 lbs (Middleweight)
Record – 6-0 (0-0 UFC)
What makes him impressive
Bevon Lewis is one of the few fighters that have thrown down twice on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. Because of this, we are able to see the growth of the relatively inexperienced fighter in that year long span.
In his first bout on Contender Series, Lewis won by late KO, but did so after a back and forth fight with Elias Urbina. In that fight, Lewis failed to control the cage due to looking to swing some wild punches. This arguably may have cost him a round.
However, in his next time on the show, he showed some real growth and understanding of his own game. He used his clear physical gifts to turn the fight into a clinch war and wear out his opponent. This style not only fits way better into his skill set, but also allows him to control the pace and how much damage he’s taking.
Why he has been overlooked
Getting two finishes on the Contender Series may be a good way to gain fans, but I do think that UFC fans are getting sick of the Jon Jones training partner hype. Multiple times we’ve seen a large, athletic prospect from Jackson-Wink come in and billed as “one of Jon Jones’s best training partners”. So far, that has not necessarily panned out. Particularly in the case of Phil Hawes, who lost brutally on Contender Series, and Devin Clark, who now been finished in two of his last three.
It is unfair to lump him into an assumption that way, especially given that his skill set is different than the other two. However, it does explain the lack of hype.
What makes this a good match-up
In getting Uriah Hall as a first opponent, the UFC is clearly saying that they like Lewis as a prospect. While his size and reach already matches up well with Hall, his fighting style actually matches up even better.
What has been so difficult for Hall as of late is fighters who can control him physically. Kelvin Gastelum drew up the blueprint a long time ago when the two fought on the TUF finale, and since then fighters have taken notice. With guys like Rafael Natal and John Howard having controlled him to decision victories, it would stand to reason that Lewis should have no problem putting Hall on the cage and working away.
Prelim Breakout Star Record: 162-67-1 (2 NC) (6 DNF)
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