(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Derrick Lewis after UFC on ESPN+ 32 win?)
Aleksei Oleinik could not get over the hump into the next level of title contention on Saturday when he lost to Derrick Lewis in the UFC on ESPN+ 32 main event.
Oleinik (59-14-1 MMA, 8-5 UFC) had moments in the bout and a legitimate chance to win, but ultimately he succumbed to the historic power of Lewis (24-7 MMA, 15-5 UFC) for a second-round TKO loss in the heavyweight headliner at UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
At 43, the fact Oleinik is even competing at a main-event level is remarkable. His submission savvy and grappling-heavy style can likely keep him going for a few more fights, but a sharp decline is inevitable
Because of that, Oleinik needs to get in as many big ones as possible now. It would behoove him to keep a close eye on Junior Dos Santos vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik next weekend at UFC 252.
Should Oleinik face the winner or the loser of that matchup, though? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on his future.
