UFC heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis expressed doubt about participating in a possible UFC event at The White House, citing concerns related to his past. The upcoming UFC Nashville card, headlined by Lewis and Tailison Teixeira this Saturday, is a key opportunity for Lewis to climb further in the heavyweight rankings and pursue a title shot.
Why Derrick Lewis Thinks The White House Won’t Approve His Participation
Plans for a UFC event at The White House next year to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence were announced recently, generating excitement among fans and fighters alike. Several top fighters, including recently retired Jon Jones, have shown interest in taking part.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the potential event, Lewis voiced skepticism about being allowed to compete at The White House due to his criminal history. In an interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, he explained his concerns about security restrictions.
“Yeah that’s crazy, it would be so weird to fight at The White House, in the front yard?”
—Derrick Lewis, UFC fighter
He continued, stating the U.S. government likely would not approve his presence there and suggested he might not even be allowed within 500 yards of the location because of his record.
“But, it would be a lot of fun to perform at The White House, it would be huge.”
—Derrick Lewis, UFC fighter
Lewis’s criminal record stems from a serious incident shortly after he obtained his high school diploma, involving aggravated assault charges. He was sentenced to prison after violating probation but was released after serving 42 months. Since then, Lewis has rebuilt his life and become one of MMA’s top heavyweight competitors and the leader in all-time UFC knockouts.
The Stakes at UFC Nashville and a Potential Title Shot
This weekend, Lewis takes on Tailison Teixeira, the tallest fighter on the current UFC roster, in a bout that could significantly affect his standing among the heavyweight contenders. A strong performance in Nashville could add momentum to Lewis’s pursuit of the heavyweight belt.
Following Jon Jones’s sudden retirement, Tom Aspinall claimed the undisputed heavyweight championship, but the identity of his first official challenger remains undecided. Lewis is considered a likely candidate if he secures a victory, as he is among the top-ranked fighters whom Aspinall has yet to face.
Aspinall last fought in July at UFC 304, defending his interim heavyweight title against Curtis Blaydes. He has acknowledged that an announcement about his next opponent is forthcoming. A fight between Aspinall and Lewis, potentially even at The White House, would be highly anticipated.
The Larger Impact of Derrick Lewis’s Journey
Lewis’s story is one of transformation, from facing serious legal troubles to becoming one of MMA’s most beloved and powerful heavyweights. His knockout record and engaging personality have made him a fan favorite and a frequent main-event fighter.
While he is cautious about his prospects for a White House appearance due to security concerns linked to his background, Lewis remains focused on his immediate goals in the UFC. His upcoming fight at UFC Nashville could pave the way toward a heavyweight title challenge, influencing the division’s landscape in the near future.