Is this it for Derrick Lewis?

Fight Night 110 was by no measure a good one for Derrick Lewis. The previously #6 ranked heavyweight suffered a fourth-round TKO loss to New Zealander Mark Hunt, only his 3rd loss by knockout and 5th overall. Although many suspected a bounce-back following the brutal put down, Lewis surprised fans and pundits by announcing that this could spell his potential retirement from UFC.

Citing the fact that he is about get married, he told the post-bout interviewer that the match was probably his last and that he didn’t like putting his family through the process of a big fight. Aged 32, many would argue that as a heavyweight Lewis should be in his prime and with such a high ranking, should be aiming for titles and legend status.

Lewis certainly has an interesting back story. With a tough upbringing that saw him involved with street fighting, Lewis still excelled at sport and was offered a full scholarship to play football for Kilgore College. Although he boxed at the same time, he couldn’t keep his focus, being charged with aggravated assault just 2 weeks after graduating from high school. He violated probation whilst at college, serving 3 and a half years of a 5 year sentence.

It was upon his release that he was introduced to mixed martial arts by a friend, whilst at the same time pursuing boxing under the tutelage of George Foreman. Lewis eventually decided that MMA was the way forward shortly after dominating in his first professional fight.

The self-proclaimed Black Beast has gone on to be a UFC regular and one time Legacy Fighting Championship heavyweight belt winner, picking up several fight of the night and performance of the night awards at UFC events. His pro record stands at 18 wins for 5 losses, including 16 wins by knockout over a 7 year pro career. He isn’t the most skilled fighter, but his short bursts of intense energy and raw power have certainly proved too much for many opponents. The majority of his knockouts were from huge punches early on in fights, boasting several TKOs in under 60 seconds.

He is a huge character outside of the octagon as well, with some hilarious interviews, savage put-downs, side-splitting social media posts and plenty of NSFW moments caught on camera. Based on his previous form in winding up interviewers and enjoying a laugh and joke, it could be the case the Lewis was just looking for some media exposure or that that pain of losing to Hunt was doing the talking. If indeed he is telling the truth, he can’t be blamed as fight camps and preparation certainly don’t go hand in hand with family life.

If Lewis does decide to hang up his gloves, there will certainly be a huge void left in the UFC heavyweight division. The odds will be shaken up considerably on who will be next for the title if he does walk, but surely the trash talking fallout from the likes of previous opponent Travis Browne and Francis Ngannou and a newly negotiated large-figure UFC contract will keep him from giving in just yet.