Derrick Lewis (photo via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

It looks like Derrick Lewis is returning to the Octagon sooner than expected, as it’s being reported he’s stepping in for Curtis Blaydes at UFC Sao Paulo.

Blaydes was scheduled to fight Almeida at the upcoming event, which will take place on November 4th at the Ibirapuera Gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

But, recently AG Fight reported that Lewis is replacing Blaydes in the match-up. MMA Junkie has also confirmed with two sources that Lewis is going to face Almeida. The UFC has yet to announce the switch.

The 38-year-old Lewis (27-11) is coming off a highlight reel, 23-second stoppage og Marcos Rogério de Lima in July. The win snapped a three-fight losing skid for Lewis.

The 32-year-old Almeida (19-2), meanwhile, hasn’t competed since May when he submitted Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the opening round. Almeida has gone undefeated in five UFC fights.