Derrick Lewis, the UFC‘s all-time leader in knockouts, captured worldwide attention with a brief but powerful statement following a stunning finish. The renowned heavyweight fighter will return to the Octagon this Saturday in the UFC Nashville main event, facing Tallison Teixeira. Lewis aims to continue his impressive momentum after his dramatic knockout win against Rodrigo Nascimento last year in St. Louis.
Lewis has evolved from being just a knockout artist to one of the UFC’s most recognizable stars, known for his tremendous punching power and memorable appearances on the microphone. His humorous and candid interviews, especially those with UFC commentator Joe Rogan, regularly go viral and add to his massive fan appeal.
How Derrick Lewis Created an Unforgettable UFC Meme During a Post-Fight Interview
At UFC 229 in Las Vegas, Derrick Lewis and Alexander Volkov ignited the heavyweight division early in the event. Their buildup included weeks of trash talk and a near altercation at the ceremonial weigh-in, setting the stage for a heated clash inside the Octagon. Volkov took control in the opening rounds, using diverse striking techniques to frustrate Lewis and limit his offense.
In the fight’s final moments, Volkov increased pressure with heavy body kicks, seemingly on the verge of securing victory. However, Lewis unleashed a sudden, game-changing assault, landing a massive right hand that knocked Volkov out cold. The knockout electrified the T-Mobile Arena crowd and became instantly iconic.
Exhausted from absorbing many strikes, Lewis lay on the canvas before rising to perform his signature ‘Black Beast’ celebration. Unexpectedly, he removed his shorts, standing only in his underwear as Bruce Buffer announced the official decision. This peculiar act puzzled many and set the stage for one of UFC’s most memorable post-fight interviews.
When Joe Rogan asked why Lewis took off his pants, Lewis’s candid and surprising explanation included a reference to a timely phone call from then-President Donald Trump. Lewis said,
“I forgot, a few hours before the fight, Donald Trump called me and told me I got to knock this Russian m——– out because they making him look bad on the news. Him and Putin and s—, you know, f— what they talking about, USA in this h–, f—…”
He also remarked,
I need to sit my black a– down and do some more cardio. F— what you talking about right now.
—Derrick Lewis, UFC Fighter
This post-fight interview quickly became a viral sensation and a lasting meme within the UFC community. Lewis’s comeback victory at UFC 229 earned him a heavyweight title shot against Daniel Cormier at UFC 230, although he was defeated by submission in the second round.
Potential UFC Event at The White House Could Feature Derrick Lewis
As an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, Derrick Lewis could be a key participant in a proposed UFC event at The White House, an idea that Trump publicly endorsed. The former president urged UFC CEO Dana White to consider hosting a fight card at the historic location, creating widespread buzz among UFC fans and fighters alike.
This announcement caught the attention of top athletes including Jon Jones and Conor McGregor. Dana White responded cautiously but did not dismiss the possibility, suggesting more information will be shared in the near future. Should the UFC White House event take place, Lewis is likely to be showcased prominently, aligning with his political support and UFC status.
Until then, Lewis remains focused on climbing back into the heavyweight title conversation as he prepares to face Tallison Teixeira at UFC Nashville.