Derrick Lewis The Black Beast

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Fighter bio

Derrick Lewis – General Profile

Derrick "The Black Beast" Lewis is one of the most feared knockout artists in UFC history, competing in the heavyweight division. Known for his incredible power, durability, and unfiltered personality, Lewis has become both a fan favorite and a staple of the UFC’s heavyweight elite.

Born on February 7, 1985, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and raised in Houston, Texas, Lewis’s journey to MMA success is marked by resilience and redemption, rising from a troubled past to become one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport.

MMA Career

Derrick Lewis made his UFC debut in 2014 and quickly built a reputation as a dangerous finisher. With more knockouts than any other fighter in UFC history, Lewis holds wins over some of the top names in the division, including Francis Ngannou, Curtis Blaydes, Alexander Volkov, and Aleksei Oleinik.

He fought for the UFC heavyweight title against Daniel Cormier in 2018, and later for the interim title against Ciryl Gane in 2021. Although he came up short in those bouts, his consistency as a top contender has kept him relevant in title discussions for years.

Lewis is known for his improbable comebacks—often looking exhausted or behind on the scorecards before landing one thunderous punch to end the fight.

Personal Life

Derrick Lewis’s life story is one of transformation. After spending time in prison as a young man, he turned his life around through martial arts, using MMA as an outlet for change and self-discipline. He often speaks candidly about his past and credits his wife and family for helping keep him grounded.

Outside the cage, Lewis is known for his hilarious interviews, meme-worthy quotes (like "my balls was hot"), and his calm demeanor off-camera. Despite his intimidating presence in the Octagon, he’s widely loved for his authenticity and humor.

Fighting Style

Lewis is a powerful striker who relies heavily on his one-punch knockout ability. He possesses devastating uppercuts, overhands, and ground-and-pound. While not known for technical precision or a high-output style, he often needs only one opening to end the fight.

His takedown defense and ground game have improved over time, though he famously tends to "just stand up" when on the bottom, relying on brute strength and timing. His endurance and unorthodox style make him unpredictable and dangerous at any point in a fight.

Recent Developments

As of 2025, Derrick Lewis remains active in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Though he’s had ups and downs in recent years, his ability to end fights with a single strike means he's always a threat and a crowd-pleaser.

Whether chasing another run toward the title or simply entertaining fans with knockouts and post-fight antics, "The Black Beast" continues to be one of the most beloved and watchable figures in MMA.