UFC Heavyweight with Most Knockouts Signs 8-Fight Deal With UFC, Confirms Dana White

Heavyweight superstar Derrick Lewis has renewed his contract and has inked an 8-fight deal with UFC confirmed the promotion’s President Dana White.

After three straight losses, Lewis resurrected himself to the win track by knocking out Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC 291. ‘The Black Beast’ pulled off his pants in a humorous post-fight celebration.

Several fight fans see Derrick Lewis as an entertaining heavyweight who also possesses sheer power in his hands. That said, Dana White and his company are open to hosting more of ‘The Black Beast’.

At the recent Power Slap press conference, Dana White clarified the information which got broken out by reporter Mike Bohn via social media.

The social media post read, “Dana White/Hunter Campbell say on the Power Slap post-fight press conference stream that Derrick Lewis’ new deal with UFC is already done.”

Dana White/Hunter Campbell say on the Power Slap post-fight press conference stream that Derrick Lewis’ new deal with UFC is already done. pic.twitter.com/of0HwkqydT

— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohn) August 10, 2023

When Francis Ngannou left the UFC, it caused the promotion to lack a star power heavyweight knockout puncher. But Derrick Lewis can be considered a bigger puncher, as per the statistics.

‘The Black Beast’ has a total of 14 knockouts in the UFC, the highest by any fighter. Next to him is retired fighter Matt Brown with 13 KOs.  It doesn’t seem that any fighter is going to break Lewis’ KO record in the UFC any time soon, especially when the heavyweight star is staying in the promotion.

Derrick Lewis stands at the 10^th position in the heavyweight rankings after his KO win at UFC 291. He is still far away from earning a shot at the belt which is currently under the possession of Jon Jones.

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Who Can Dana White Put Against Derrick Lewis Next?

Right above Derrick Lewis is Jailton Almeida at the 9^th slot of UFC heavyweight rankings and he can face Derrick Lewis next. 19-2 as a pro, Almeida is unbeaten in the UFC with a record of 6-0.

It will be interesting to put him against a veteran like Derrick Lewis. Meanwhile, Alexander Volkov is ranked 8^th. Therefore, a rematch between Lewis and Volkov can also happen somewhere down the line.

There are several intriguing matchups available in the heavyweight division and Derrick Lewis’ presence will only intensify the things.