Derrick Lewis already has the most knockouts in UFC heavyweight history, but he believes after shedding a few more pounds, he might be even more terrifying when he next sets foot in the octagon.
The Houston native closed out the UFC Vegas 6 card on Saturday night with a punishing performance, finishin Aleksei Oleinik with vicious punches in the second round. Ahead of the fight, Lewis upped his training regimen, and while he tipped the scales at 265 pounds, he looked in better shape than almost any of his previous UFC fights.
According to Lewis, thats just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his potential now that hes approaching his fight career with a little more focus and discipline.
I owe it to the fans, Lewis said at the post-fight press conference. I owe it to everyone that supports me. I got to really take it more serious than what I have been.
Lewis has said in the past that hes not the most dedicated fighter when it comes to his training sessions. But now, hes looking to change that.
With plans to drop another 15 or 20 pounds before competing again, Lewis anticipates an even better showing when he returns to the UFC for his next fight.
Ive really been eating whatever I want and just been training a lot longer than 30 minutes this camp, Lewis said. Weve just been training a lot more. Ive still been eating bass [fish], still been eating Popeyes and stuff like that. Just been training more. For sure, Ill be a lot quicker, a lot more agile, a lot more aggressive and everything.
I for sure have to get down 15, 20 pounds to feel comfortable in there, and you really will see something scary out of me for sure.
While his immediate plans involve a return home to see his family, followed by dieting and training to get his weight in order, Lewis knows that as the No. 4 ranked heavyweight, there are many options for his next fight.
He mentioned names like Francis Ngannou and Alistair Overeems as potential opponents, but he had barely left the octagon before fellow heavyweight Curtis Blaydes called him out.
Judging by his comments, Lewis would happily accept that challenge.
Thatd be perfect to fight Curtis next, Lewis said. All hes going to do is try to grab me and hold me and try to win a decision. Hes not going to try to finish me. If he do try to finish me, thats fine, but I do believe I can take Curtis down and punish him on the ground.
Yeah, put that on the headline. Make the headlines, go ahead. Type it. Thats headlines right there. Im going to take Curtis Blaydes down and finish him.
The rest is here:
Derrick Lewis promises to be even scarier after more weight loss, ready to finish Curtis Blaydes next - MMA Fighting
