St. Louis, Missouri – Derrick Lewis made a statement to his critics on Saturday night when he secured his fifteenth knockout victory in the UFC by defeating Rodrigo Nascimento in the main event of UFC St. Louis. This win extended Lewis’s record for the most knockouts in the history of the promotion, solidifying his reputation as “The Black Beast.” Following his triumph, Lewis continued his unique post-win ritual of removing his pants, but this time he took it a step further by tossing his fight-worn cup into the crowd, specifically aiming it at media row.
During the post-fight press conference, Lewis explained the intentional nature of throwing his cup towards the media, expressing his frustration with the ongoing criticism he receives from them. He humorously justified his actions by highlighting that there was nothing wrong with his fight equipment, even going as far as having the cup retrieved, signed by himself and UFC CEO Dana White, and returned.
Aside from the entertaining antics, the victory was significant for Lewis as it allowed him to maintain his position in the top 15 heavyweights in the UFC and secure a win over a rising competitor. While Lewis had initially planned to finish the fight explosively in the fifth round, he adapted quickly when the opportunity presented itself earlier in the match, emphasizing the necessity of seizing the moment in the fight game.
Looking ahead, Lewis remains open to various possibilities for his future in the UFC, including the potential for crossover work with WWE, now that both organizations fall under the same banner. With six fights remaining on his current UFC contract, Lewis is considering exploring new opportunities while continuing to compete in the octagon.
Expressing his interest in further ventures in the wrestling world, Lewis mentioned the possibility of engaging with WWE in the near future, hinting at a visit to their facilities in Orlando. This willingness to explore different avenues showcases Lewis’s versatility and his eagerness to push boundaries beyond the realm of traditional MMA competition.