UFC Albany preview: Sign of 'The Black Beast'

Slowly, but surely, Derrick Lewis has climbed the heavyweight rankings.

Blessed with knockout power in both hands and balance that belies his massive frame, "The Black Beast" is poised to make the leap to stardom when he headlines his first UFC event in Albany, N.Y. on Friday against Shamil Abdurakhimov. It's a huge opportunity for Lewis, even if he's not 100 percent clear on how to pronounce his opponent's name:

Lewis can't be blamed for being unfamiliar with Abdurakhimov, as he was hoping to challenge someone in the top 10 after winning a close split decision over veteran Roy Nelson this past July. While it wasn't the most authoritative performance, Lewis showed he could survive going into deep waters with a more experienced opponent, and emerge victorious.

On a UFC Fight Night 102 card lacking recognizable fighters, the pressure is on Lewis to show he's a prime-time player. His resume is already filled with highlight-reel knockouts, and he could be one more violent finish away from being certified as a true contender.

Related - UFC Albany predictions: Heavyweights take the Empire State

Corey Anderson on the come up

Corey Anderson isn't supposed to be here.

A fight with light heavyweight legend Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 198 was supposed to elevate Anderson's career to the next level, but that dream became a nightmare when Anderson wound up on the wrong end of a controversial split decision that snapped a three-fight winning streak.

Anderson was left deflated by the call, and instead of receiving another high-ranked opponent, he's been given a rebound fight against unheralded Sean O'Connell. A win over O'Connell will get Anderson only incrementally closer to a title shot, which shows how fast fortunes can turn in the UFC with one bad break.

Youth movement

The preliminary card of UFC Fight Night 102 features five 25-and-under fighters, several of whom are among the top prospects in their respective divisions.

Most intriguing is 23-year-old Englishman Marc "Bonecrusher" Diakiese. A sensational striker, Diekiese made a successful debut at UFC 204 with a second-round TKO of Lukasz Sajewski.

He'll look to follow that up against Frankie Perez in what will be Diekiese's first fight in North America.

Other Octagon newcomers looking to get their careers off to fast starts include "Ultimate Fighter 23" contestant JJ Aldrich, Brian Camozzi (younger brother of 18-fight UFC veteran Chris Camozzi), and undefeated New York native Shane Burgos.

Ryan Janes gets his chance

One fighter flying under the radar - who has to be excited just to be on the card - is Newfoundland's Ryan Janes.

The 35-year-old grappler has twice been scheduled to compete in the UFC, only to have his bouts fall through due to circumstances beyond his control.

In August, opponent Adam Hunter was removed from their encounter less than 24 hours before fight night when he was busted for a USADA violation. Janes received another booking in October, only to see that whole event canceled after headliner BJ Penn suffered an injury.

Win or lose, Janes will soon be able to officially add "UFC fighter" to his resume when he faces Keith Berish in the second scheduled bout of the evening.

Related: The case of Ryan Janes and the disappearing Octagon