Derrick Lewis, after securing a decisive victory over Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC 291 in Salt Lake City, expressed immense relief as he was under a lot of pressure before the fight. The win was crucial for him, considering it ended a three-fight losing streak, marking a career low. This triumph also happened to be the final bout of his current contract, making him a free agent.
During the post-fight press conference, Lewis admitted to feeling the weight of expectations on his shoulders. He wanted to prove to everyone that he still belongs among the best fighters globally, especially after facing setbacks in recent times. His previous attempt to win an interim championship resulted in a TKO loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC 265, which led to a downward spiral of four losses, three of them ending in the first round.
To prepare for the match against de Lima, the 38-year-old fighter dedicated himself wholeheartedly to training, evident from the impressive six-pack abs he showcased at the weigh-ins. The pressure he felt was mostly self-imposed, driven by his desire to excel and prove his worth.
Despite the recent challenges, Lewis is not giving up on the title race just yet. He hopes to continue his journey within the UFC and indicated his interest in re-signing with the promotion. While expressing appreciation for the staff and the UFC, he humorously directed a few choice words towards the media, jokingly mentioning his dislike for them.
In conclusion, Derrick Lewis made a triumphant comeback, relieved the pressure on himself with a remarkable victory, and is looking forward to negotiating a new contract with the UFC while maintaining his ambition to compete for the heavyweight title.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC victory
Q: What was the outcome of Derrick Lewis’ fight at UFC 291?
A: Derrick Lewis secured a dominant victory at UFC 291, defeating Marcos Rogerio de Lima in just 33 seconds with a flying knee followed by ground-and-pound.
Q: Did this win end a losing streak for Derrick Lewis?
A: Yes, this win snapped a three-fight losing streak for Derrick Lewis, which had been a career-worst setback for the fighter.
Q: Is Derrick Lewis now a free agent after UFC 291?
A: Yes, Derrick Lewis revealed that UFC 291 marked the final fight on his current contract, making him a free agent in the MMA market.
Q: What pressure did Derrick Lewis feel heading into the fight at UFC 291?
A: Derrick Lewis admitted to feeling a lot of pressure before the fight. He wanted to prove that he is still one of the best fighters in the world, especially after facing a series of losses.
Q: What changes did Derrick Lewis make to prepare for his matchup with Marcos Rogerio de Lima?
A: Derrick Lewis rededicated himself to training, committing to an intense 11-week preparation. He also made lifestyle changes, cutting out sodas and focusing on his fitness, evident from the six-pack abs he showcased at the weigh-ins.
Q: Does Derrick Lewis plan to continue his career in the UFC?
A: Yes, Derrick Lewis expressed his desire to re-sign with the UFC, stating that he enjoys being a part of the promotion and the staff. However, he playfully criticized the media during the post-fight press conference.
Q: Has Derrick Lewis been a successful fighter in the UFC heavyweight division?
A: Yes, Derrick Lewis has been a mainstay in the UFC heavyweight division since 2014 and has had two previous attempts to challenge for titles.
Q: How did Derrick Lewis perform in his last title attempt?
A: In his most recent title attempt, Derrick Lewis faced a TKO loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC 265, which was an interim championship fight.
Q: What are Derrick Lewis’ future ambitions in the UFC?
A: Despite the recent setbacks, Derrick Lewis has not given up on the title race and hopes to continue pursuing championship opportunities in the UFC.
