Dive deep into Derrick Lewis’s remarkable UFC fight history, from his explosive debut to becoming the KO King. Relive “The Black Beast’s” most iconic victories and enduring legacy.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has always been a proving ground for the most dangerous athletes on the planet, and few have embodied raw power and unpredictable excitement quite like Derrick Lewis. Known affectionately as “The Black Beast,” Lewis has carved out a legendary career in the heavyweight division, marked by incredible knockouts, hilarious post-fight interviews, and a resilience that has defied expectations. For any true fight fan, understanding Derrick Lewis all UFC fights is essential to appreciating his unique contribution to the sport.
This comprehensive guide will take you through the incredible journey of Derrick Lewis’s UFC career, dissecting his most memorable performances, highlighting key statistics, and exploring what makes him one of the most beloved heavyweights in UFC history.
The Rise of “The Black Beast”: Derrick Lewis’s UFC Debut and Early Stride
Derrick Lewis stepped into the UFC Octagon for the first time on April 19, 2014, at UFC on FOX 11, making an immediate impact with a first-round TKO victory over Jack May. This fight was a clear precursor to the explosive power he would consistently display throughout his career.
His early UFC run saw him accumulate a string of impressive finishes, quickly establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. He dispatched opponents like Guto Inocente, Ruan Potts, and Damian Grabowski with his signature ground and pound and thunderous punches. These initial bouts cemented his reputation as a “don’t blink” fighter, capable of ending a fight at any moment.
Key Early Fights:
- UFC on FOX 11 vs. Jack May (April 19, 2014): A dominant first-round TKO that announced his arrival.
- UFC 192 vs. Viktor Pešta (October 3, 2015): A third-round TKO that showcased his ability to find a finish even in later rounds.
- UFC Fight Night 86 vs. Gabriel Gonzaga (April 10, 2016): A spectacular first-round knockout that earned him his first “Performance of the Night” bonus.
The Unpredictable Force: Navigating the Heavyweight Ranks
As Derrick Lewis climbed the heavyweight ladder, his fights became increasingly challenging, pitting him against some of the division’s toughest competitors. What made Lewis so captivating was his unconventional style and the sheer, unadulterated power in his hands. He might appear to be losing a fight, absorbing significant damage, only to unleash a single, fight-ending blow that turned the tables completely. This “Black Beast” magic became a hallmark of his career.
One of the most iconic examples of this was his unbelievable comeback against Alexander Volkov at UFC 229 in October 2018. After being thoroughly outstruck for nearly three full rounds, Lewis landed a devastating right hand in the final minute, securing a memorable knockout victory. This particular fight not only earned him a “Performance of the Night” bonus but also became a viral moment in UFC history, encapsulating the essence of his never-say-die attitude.
Derrick Lewis’s Road to the Title Shot
Lewis’s consistency and highlight-reel finishes eventually propelled him into the upper echelon of the heavyweight division. His knockout power was undeniable, and his willingness to engage in thrilling slugfests made him a fan favorite.
His path to a UFC Heavyweight Championship title shot came against Daniel Cormier at UFC 230 in November 2018. While he ultimately fell short against the two-division champion, the fact that he reached this pinnacle speaks volumes about his impact on the division. Even in defeat, Lewis demonstrated the heart of a champion, battling one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.
The Knockout King: A Record-Breaking Legacy
Beyond the individual fights, a key aspect of Derrick Lewis all UFC fights is his incredible record for knockouts. As of July 12, 2025, Derrick Lewis holds the UFC record for most knockout wins in promotional history with a staggering 16 KOs. This statistic alone solidifies his place as one of the most dangerous strikers to ever grace the Octagon. His ability to generate fight-ending power, often from seemingly innocuous positions, is unparalleled.
Consider his fight against Curtis Blaydes in February 2021. Blaydes, a renowned wrestler, was attempting a takedown when Lewis unleashed a brutal uppercut, sending Blaydes to the canvas for a highlight-reel knockout. This demonstrated his ability to counter even elite grapplers with his devastating power.
Significant Encounters:
- UFC 226 vs. Francis Ngannou (July 7, 2018): A highly anticipated matchup between two of the hardest hitters in the heavyweight division. While the fight itself was a cautious affair that went to decision (Lewis won), it showed his ability to neutralize a dangerous opponent.
- UFC 271 vs. Tai Tuivasa (February 12, 2022): A thrilling back-and-forth brawl that saw both men land heavy shots, eventually ending in a Tuivasa KO. Even in losses, Lewis rarely fails to entertain.
- UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Nascimento (May 11, 2024): Lewis secured another impressive TKO victory over Rodrigo Nascimento, showcasing that at 40 years old, “The Black Beast” still possesses formidable power.
Recent Fights and Continued Relevance
Even as he approaches the latter stages of his illustrious career, Derrick Lewis remains a relevant and dangerous contender in the heavyweight division. His recent TKO victory over Tallison Teixeira at UFC Nashville on July 12, 2025, in just 35 seconds of the first round, further cemented his legacy as the UFC’s all-time knockout leader. This fight proved that the “Black Beast” can still deliver electrifying performances and remains a threat to anyone in the division.
Lewis’s career is a testament to perseverance and pure, unadulterated knockout power. While he may not always be the most technically polished fighter, his ability to turn the lights out with a single punch has made him a perennial fan favorite and a true legend of the sport.
The Enduring Appeal of “The Black Beast”
What makes Derrick Lewis so endearing to fans isn’t just his fighting prowess, but also his candidness and humor outside the Octagon. His post-fight interviews are often as entertaining as his knockouts, filled with memorable quotes and a refreshing honesty. This blend of brutal effectiveness inside the cage and a relatable, funny personality outside of it has cultivated a massive and loyal fanbase.
He’s a fighter who, despite reaching the highest levels of MMA, has always maintained a sense of authenticity, making him incredibly easy to root for. His journey has been one of ups and downs, but through it all, he has remained “The Black Beast” – unpredictable, powerful, and always entertaining.
A Legacy Forged in Fire
The saga of Derrick Lewis all UFC fights is a compelling narrative of a powerful heavyweight who consistently defied expectations and delivered unforgettable moments. From his thunderous debut to his record-breaking knockout tally, “The Black Beast” has cemented his place as a true icon of the UFC heavyweight division. His ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, coupled with his charismatic personality, has made him one of the most enduring and beloved figures in the sport.
As he continues his journey in the Octagon, every Derrick Lewis fight remains a must-watch event, a testament to the raw power and unpredictable excitement that only “The Black Beast” can bring.
Ready to witness more unforgettable moments? Explore the official UFC website for upcoming Derrick Lewis fights and relive his greatest hits!
Internal Links:
- Understanding UFC Heavyweight Rankings: Who’s Next for the Title? (Placeholder link, assume this is another blog post on your site)
- The Art of the Knockout: Deconstructing MMA’s Most Devastating Finishes (Placeholder link, assume this is another blog post on your site)
External Links (Authority Sources):
- UFC Official Website – Derrick Lewis Fighter Profile: http://www.ufcstats.com/fighter-details/d3df1add9d9a7efb
- Derrick Lewis Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_Lewis
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