Derrick Lewis vs Serghei Spivac — Fight recap

Serghei Spivac submitted Derrick Lewis via submission in round one at 3:05 on February 4, 2023, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Spivac controlled the opening frame with devastating efficiency, landing 12 of 21 significant strikes (57%) while establishing dominance on the ground.

The Moldovan heavyweight executed 6 of 8 attempted takedowns (75%) and accumulated 2:32 of control time before finishing Lewis, who managed zero significant strikes and failed to mount any offensive output. Lewis's inability to defend the initial grappling sequence proved fatal, as Spivac's wrestling-heavy approach neutralized the power striker's strengths from the opening bell.

The loss marked a significant setback for Lewis in the heavyweight title picture, while Spivac's decisive victory solidified his status as a legitimate contender in a division still searching for clarity behind champion Jon Jones.