Imagine a world where Derrick Lewis, the celebrated heavyweight fighter known as 'The Black Beast', never stepped into the octagon for UFC 324. This scenario almost became reality eight years ago if UFC President Dana White had heeded Lewis’s bold suggestion.
As it stands, Derrick Lewis is set to headline a new chapter for the UFC during its much-anticipated debut on Paramount at UFC 324 in Las Vegas. In this exciting matchup, he will square off against Waldo Cortes-Acosta at the T-Mobile Arena. At 40 years old, Lewis aims to further solidify his legacy by increasing his impressive knockout count to 17—a feat that would strengthen his case for another title shot. Despite never having captured a championship belt, Lewis has remained a perennial favorite among fans in the heavyweight division for over a decade.
However, there’s an intriguing twist in Lewis’s journey that could have dramatically shortened his UFC career had White acted on his advice.
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Speaking of knockouts, one can’t help but ask: What do you think is Derrick Lewis’s most impressive KO in the UFC? 👊 He has taken down notable opponents including Curtis Blaydes, Alexander Volkov, Gabriel Gonzaga, and Travis Browne, showcasing his explosive knockout power.
👇 We want to hear your thoughts! Join the discussion and share your insights in the comments section below.
Derrick Lewis made headlines when he boldly stated that he should be cut from the UFC if his fight with Francis Ngannou went the distance. Throughout his career, Lewis has delivered numerous unforgettable moments, but he’s also faced his share of lackluster performances. One such instance occurred in 2018 at UFC 226, where he emerged victorious against Ngannou by decision. Despite the win, the match was far from thrilling; it fell short of expectations, with the two heavyweights landing only 31 punches combined over the course of three rounds. Understandably frustrated by the fight’s dullness, both fans and Dana White expressed their disappointment.
Before the fight, Lewis had confidently predicted that it wouldn’t go the distance, stating, "It can’t go bell-to-bell, there ain’t no way. If it goes bell-to-bell, I need to be cut." After the bout, White even referred to the matchup as an “abomination.” Surprisingly, despite the fight’s outcome, neither fighter faced any consequences regarding their contracts.
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As he prepares for UFC 324, Lewis seems unfazed by his upcoming opponent, Waldo Cortes-Acosta, whom he likened to the former UFC fighter Roy Nelson. In an interview with MMA Junkie Radio, he expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, "I don’t think it’s anything special that I haven’t seen before. He reminds me of Roy Nelson a little bit." Lewis believes that Cortes-Acosta hasn’t faced anyone with his unique fighting style, which he describes as markedly different from other heavyweights and fighters in general. Having previously defeated Nelson by split decision in 2016, Lewis is eager for a more decisive victory against Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324.
Are you as excited as we are for this heavyweight clash? Will Derrick Lewis prove once again why he remains a formidable force in the UFC? Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
