Derrick Lewis

Derrick Lewis (born February 7, 1985) is an American professional mixed martial artist.

He currently competes in the Heavyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he currently holds the record for most knockouts in UFC history.

In 1998, Lewis and his family relocated to Houston, Texas.

At the age of 17, Lewis began training in boxing and was preparing for his first amateur fight when the gym unexpectedly shut down.

Two weeks after graduating from high school, Lewis was charged with aggravated assault, and was placed on probation.

Two years later, while attending Kilgore College on a full scholarship for football, Lewis violated his probation and was sentenced to five years in prison, but ended up serving three and a half.

A week after being released, Lewis was introduced to mixed martial arts by a friend and, while working as a tow-truck driver, continued with boxing under the tutelage of George Foreman.

After dominating in his first professional mixed martial arts fight, Lewis decided to focus on mixed martial arts.

Lewis began his journey in MMA in late 2009, when he made his debut as an amateur against Jay Ross at LSAMMA on October 16, 2009.

He lost the fight via TKO (doctor stoppage).

A professional competitor since 2010, Lewis has also competed for Bellator MMA and Legacy FC, where he was the Heavyweight Champion.

As of March 12, 2024, he is #12 in the UFC heavyweight rankings.

Born and raised as one of seven siblings, the second oldest, by a single mother in New Orleans, Louisiana, Lewis was troubled growing up and was often involved in street fighting.

He then faced Tim Buchanan at the United States American Combat Association event on January 30, 2010.

He won via TKO.

After turning professional in 2010, Lewis would compile a fight record of 4–1 before signing with Bellator MMA in May 2010.

In their first encounter on the regional circuit in 2010, Lewis lost by unanimous decision.

Lewis lost the fight via TKO.

Lewis was scheduled to make his promotional debut at Bellator 45 on May 21, 2011, against Brazilian Thiago Santos.

However, the bout was canceled when Santos had to pull out due to an injury.

Lewis faced Tony Johnson at Bellator 46 on June 25, 2011.

He lost the bout via unanimous decision.

Lewis compiled a record of 6–0 with one no-contest after leaving Bellator, most notably winning and successfully defending the Legacy FC Heavyweight Championship.

He was then signed to the UFC.

Lewis was scheduled to make his promotional debut against Nandor Guelmino at UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Kampmann 2 on August 28, 2013.

However, the bout was canceled as Lewis had to pull out due to an injury.

Lewis instead made his debut at UFC on Fox: Werdum vs. Browne on April 19, 2014, against Jack May.

He won via TKO in the first round.

In his second fight for the promotion, Lewis faced Guto Inocente at The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale on July 6, 2014.

He won the fight via KO in the first round.

Lewis faced Matt Mitrione on September 5, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 50.

Mitrione quickly defeated Lewis via first-round knockout.

Lewis faced Ruan Potts on February 28, 2015, at UFC 184.

He won the fight via TKO in the second round.

Lewis next had a rematch with Shawn Jordan on June 6, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 68.

Lewis was expected to face Anthony Hamilton on October 3, 2015, at UFC 192.

However, Hamilton was forced out of the bout with an injury and was replaced by Viktor Pešta.

Lewis won the fight via TKO in the third round.

Lewis faced Damian Grabowski on February 6, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 82.

Lewis dominated the fight, winning via TKO in the first round.