By Pete Hoffman and Isaac Feldman
New York, NY – On Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, the UFC held its first-ever live event in New York City at Madison Square Garden. The Notorious Conor McGregor would go on to win his 2nd UFC title and at that moment hold both the Featherweight and Lightweight Championship belts. This was just one of three belts up for grabs on the UFC 205 card. A little less than a year later another three belts were lined up as we saw the return of Georges St. Pierre headline another successfully stacked UFC 217 card at MSG. Now, only a day away from the 3rd PPV event in three years at MSG and the buzz for UFC 230 is a bit lackluster with only one belt on the line.
Maybe the lack of buzz is a purposeful approach by the UFC. The last PPV event ended with Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov leaping over the Octagon and attacking Conor McGregor's teammates after successfully submitting the Irishman in the 4th round. This led to chaos, fines, and suspensions to both camps which one can make the assumption that a more passive approach to the next big event may be a safe play. On the other hand, some of the buzz could also be muffled by the lack of big name fight availability. Jon Jones just coming off of suspension has been pushed back to headline UFC 232, Tyron Woodley suffered injuries which declared him unavailable after his latest title defense over Darren Till, and Nate Diaz is simply put being "Nate Diaz" as he continues to take fights then declines actually fighting in them.
Back in August at the UFC 25th Anniversary press conference, Dana White told the media regarding UFC 230, "When have we not delivered at Madison Square Garden?" That delivery comes in the shape of current Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champion, Daniel Cormier putting his Heavyweight title up for grabs vs Derrick "The Black Beast" Lewis. Winner of this fight has the potential to defend the belt vs the returning former Heavyweight champ and current WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar. The fight was scheduled less than a month ago after Derrick Lewis knocked out Alexander Volkov with 11 seconds to go in their 3 round fight at UFC 229.
Both DC and Lewis are extremely likable fighters as their biggest issue with one another is who won out on the Popeyes Chicken sponsorship. DC is the more complete fighter of the two with his wrestling background, he can to stand and trade strikes with the best, but just as easily take an opponent to the ground. Lewis, on the other hand, focuses on his heavy punching power. He is not known for cardio or conditioning but continues to surprise with comeback KO's in 3 out if his last 4 wins. The biggest risk taker in this fight is DC as Brock Lesnar was originally slated to challenge the Champ. The super fight between the two may never see the light of day if "The Black Beast" finds a way to surprise us all and KO Daniel Cormier.
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