Derrick Lewis has introduced a bold new plan to deter opponents from challenging him in the UFC heavyweight division as he prepares to face Tallison Teixeira on July 12 at UFC on ESPN 70. With the heavyweight landscape slowing down amid ongoing drama involving Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, Lewis wants to stay active and fight twice more this year, refusing to wait for others to make a move.
Lewis Criticizes Heavyweight Division’s Inactivity and Promises Action
After a lengthy break from competition, Derrick Lewis is ready to return to the octagon at UFC Nashville, expressing frustration with the current pace of the heavyweight division. Many fighters appear hesitant due to the uncertainty surrounding key figures like Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, causing a lull in matchmaking. Lewis, however, is eager to keep busy and secure more fights as soon as possible.
He has been sidelined since November when he withdrew from a bout due to an undisclosed medical condition, but now fully recovered, Lewis claims he had to fight hard to secure his upcoming showdown. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, he said,
“It’s crazy that nobody’s fighting right now. Heavyweight, I don’t know what’s going on. I damn near had to beg to get this fight, so I don’t know what’s going on. Hopefully, we can stay active after this… I’ve been training for like four months now, non-stop really, down to every day, and I never did that before. I’m coming into this fight, I’m pretty sure I’m going to be in great shape. My six pack will be back.”
—Derrick Lewis, UFC Heavyweight Fighter
The Outrageous Post-Fight Celebration Meant to Intimidate Future Opponents
Known for his unpredictable style both inside and outside the cage, Derrick Lewis dropped a surprising idea about how he plans to discourage challengers after his upcoming fights. He jokingly described an unconventional tactic he wants to use immediately following knockouts: a shocking gesture meant to frighten other contenders and reduce the number of call-outs targeting him.
In his interview with MMA Junkie, Lewis revealed his plan bluntly:
“A couple of guys are calling me out. So I think what I need to start doing now, once I knock guys out, start putting my finger in their a*s. People don’t want to call me out afterwards. If I start putting my finger in my opponent’s a*s while they knocked out on the ground, I don’t think nobody want to call me out anymore.”
—Derrick Lewis, UFC Heavyweight Fighter
Fan Reactions Highlight Shock and Amusement
Lewis’s eccentric idea quickly caught the attention of fans on social media, sparking a mixture of disbelief and humor. Responses ranged from surprise to curiosity about his off-cage ventures, with users tweeting:
“He looks healthier. How is the Popeyes deal doing ?”
—Fan on X
“Oh wow, this interview took an unexpected turn lol.”
—Fan on X
Other fans simply reacted with astonishment, one writing,
“Ayo that’s crazy.”
—Fan on X
Significance of Lewis’s Return and What to Expect Next
Derrick Lewis’s comeback comes at a time when the UFC heavyweight division is facing a standstill, with fighters hesitant amid high-profile uncertainties. His determination to compete twice more this year and his willingness to challenge the status quo highlight his aggressive mindset and desire to keep the heavyweight landscape active.
His upcoming fight with Tallison Teixeira represents not only a chance to reassert himself but also to shake up the division’s dynamics, especially if his bold strategies resonate beyond the octagon. Fans and commentators alike will be watching closely to see if Lewis’s wild approach helps him maintain momentum in a division craving action.