UFC star Derrick Lewis stole the show at a fight in St. Louis by defeating Rodrigo Nascimento in the third round, securing his 28th career mixed martial arts victory. After knocking out Nascimento, Lewis proceeded to strip off his shorts and wave them at his fallen opponent, then proceeded to moon the crowd and throw his protective cup at the media near the octagon. Lewis explained that the cup throw was intentional, as he wanted to call out the critics who doubted his abilities. Despite initially planning to wait until the fifth round to make his move, Lewis seized the opportunity to finish the fight when it presented itself.
Following his victory, Lewis may see himself move up in the heavyweight rankings, where he currently sits at 12th. The current UFC heavyweight champion is Jon Jones, with Tom Aspinall holding the interim title and Ciryl Gane ranked second. Lewis’ dynamic victory and unconventional post-fight antics have garnered attention and further solidified his reputation as an entertaining and formidable fighter in the UFC. The unexpected nature of his actions has fans and critics alike discussing Lewis’ performance and what it might mean for his future in the sport.
Lewis has faced criticism and doubts from some in the MMA community, with some questioning his skills and abilities in the octagon. By delivering such a memorable performance and finishing the fight in dramatic fashion, Lewis not only silenced his critics but also sent a message to those who doubted him. His willingness to engage in unconventional behavior and push the boundaries of traditional sportsmanship adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to his fights, making him a fan favorite and drawing attention to his matches.
Lewis’ knack for generating buzz and capturing the audience’s attention extends beyond his fighting style, as he has become known for his colorful personality and humorous antics. His post-fight celebrations and interactions, such as throwing his cup at the media and mooning the crowd, demonstrate his willingness to entertain and embrace his role as a charismatic figure in the UFC. While some may view his behavior as controversial or unorthodox, Lewis’ approach has undoubtedly contributed to his popularity and appeal among fans.
With his victory over Nascimento and the attention it has garnered, Lewis has solidified his status as a major player in the UFC heavyweight division. His climb up the rankings and potential matchups against top contenders like Jones and Gane offer exciting possibilities for future fights and further opportunities for Lewis to showcase his skills and entertainment value. As he continues to make a name for himself in the MMA world, Lewis’ combination of talent, personality, and flair make him a unique and compelling figure in the sport, promising more memorable moments and fights to come.
