As Derrick Lewis prepares to headline UFC Nashville, the veteran heavyweight remains focused on securing a rematch with Francis Ngannou, a fight he believes he must have before ending his career. The 40-year-old striker, known for holding the most knockouts in UFC history, is hoping to add to his legacy while fulfilling this important professional goal.
Lewis will face Tallison Teixeira in the event’s main bout, aiming to extend his knockout record as he approaches the twilight of his fighting days. With retirement on the horizon, the opportunity to reconcile with Ngannou has become a pressing priority for Lewis, who considers their previous encounter unfinished business.
The Complex History Behind Lewis and Ngannou’s First Encounter
The two heavyweights, recognized as among the most formidable in the sport, first clashed at UFC 226 in 2018. Despite the anticipation, their bout was widely criticized for its lack of action and engagement, leaving both fighters unsatisfied with the outcome. Lewis, in particular, expressed regret over how the fight unfolded.
In an interview with MMA Junkie in 2019, Lewis openly shared his desire for a second fight with Ngannou. He emphasized that he could not retire without having the chance to “right the wrong” from their first encounter, expressing frustration that he never landed a meaningful strike during their initial clash.
I would like to fight him again,
Lewis said.
If he gets to the title, then, yes, I’ll fight him again. I would love to fight him again if he gets the title shot.
I have to right the wrong. I can’t retire without fighting Francis again – at least get in a good shot on the guy. God—-, I wish I would have gotten a good shot on him.
However, orchestrating a rematch has become increasingly complicated due to Ngannou’s departure from the UFC earlier this year following disputes over his contract. Ngannou has since signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and competed both in MMA and high-profile boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
The shift in Ngannou’s career trajectory has raised questions about whether a return to the UFC is possible, with recent comments from both Dana White and Ngannou himself casting doubt on the prospects of such a reunion.
Joe Rogan Labels Their UFC 226 Fight as the Worst Heavyweight Bout He Has Witnessed
The first Lewis-Ngannou fight, which promised intense action between two powerful heavyweights, instead turned into a cautious and uneventful contest. Joe Rogan, observing the bout as a commentator and longtime UFC analyst, was particularly blunt in his assessment of the fight’s quality.
Jesus Christ, it was one for the ages,
Rogan remarked during his podcast,
It was the worst heavyweight fight I’ve ever seen.
It was the second lowest output ever. They didn’t even get to number one. … (Ngannou) released a statement today and his statement was essentially that he carried the fear.
Rogan’s critique captures the frustration felt by fans and fighters alike, underscoring why Lewis remains determined to face Ngannou again for a more definitive and engaging contest.
The Ongoing Impact and Future Possibilities of a Potential Rematch
For Derrick Lewis, the prospect of a rematch with Francis Ngannou represents more than just another fight—it is a chance to settle unfinished business before concluding an illustrious career. With limited time left in the cage, Lewis’s insistence on this bout highlights both his competitive spirit and desire for personal redemption.
While Ngannou’s move to the PFL complicates the pathway to a rematch within the UFC, the significance of the fight endures for the fans and the fighters involved. Should contractual or promotional dynamics shift in the future, a second Lewis vs. Ngannou fight would not only offer closure but also revisit one of the heavyweight division’s most tantalizing yet unfulfilled rivalries.