UFC 291 will go down in the memory of MMA fans worldwide for its array of jaw-dropping finishes, exuberant celebrations along with a deafening crowd of thousands. Derrick Lewis played a significant part in getting the crowd going.
Across just 11 fights, viewers witnessed a staggering nine finishes. With an 82% stoppage rate throughout the event, four of these bouts failed to make it past the first round. None of these, however, will be as engrained in the memory as Derrick Lewis’ show-stealing knockout of Marcos Rogério de Lima.
In UFC 291’s antepenultimate fight, a duo of the promotion’s most prominent knockout artists met in a clash expected by many to end long before the final bell. Originally a preliminary bout, Lewis vs. Lima was elevated four places on the card following the cancelling of Stephen Thompson vs. Michel Pereira due to the latter missing weight.
Many were complimentary of Lewis going into Saturday’s event, particularly after ‘The Black Beast‘ waltzed up to the scales with a six-pack in full show at Friday’s ceremonial weigh-in.
Derrick Lewis Post-Fight Quotes
MMA enthusiasts were then subsequently treated to a quite simply sensational 33-second knockout from the 38-year-old. Referee Dan Miragliotta signalled for bout to begin, and within moments Lima’s unsuspecting face was connected with the marauding left knee of Lewis, who was already several feet in the air.
It took a few series involving a barrage of ground-and-pound strikes for the bout to eventually be waved off, although there was next-to-no chance of the Brazilian ever re-emerging from the canvas again.
Of course, the virality had not yet ended. In typical Derrick Lewis fashion, the American slammed his fists into the ground indicating his signature winning move, before removing his shorts in celebration and flaunting around the octagon in his underwear.
Lewis has often made the fact that his genatalia get ‘hot’ known to the world, and it seems the Salt Lake City atmosphere was no different to previous locations. During the aftermath, UFC commentator and public figure Joe Rogan asked about the celebration.
He Continued
Lewis said: “Spur of the moment. Spur of the moment, my d*ck got a mind of its own. So, I don’t even know. It do what it wants, spur of the moment.”
Rogan asked the former Heavyweight title challenger whether his rapid flying knee had been pre-planned, similarly to iconic Jorge Masvidal knockout of Ben Askren.
Lewis replied: “Hell no, I just said I’m going to throw some bulls*** and see if it lands.
“It’s a long time coming. I’ve been wanting to hit motherf***** for two years now. I finally hit somebody. I’m happier than a motherf*****.”
Furthermore
Lewis is widely regarded for his post-fight partying lifestyle. However, upon being asked how he planned to celebrate his staggering victory, ‘The Black Beast’ explained he planned to control himself once exiting the Delta Centre.
He said: “I’m in Utah, so I don’t know what’s illegal, what I can and can’t do.
“So, I gotta be careful out here. I don’t even think there’s black people out here, so I don’t know. I probably gotta wait until I get home, sh*t.”
After emerging victorious on Saturday night, the Louisianan has halted a three-fight losing streak. Lewis has previously been on the receiving end of three finishes (2 KOs, 1 submission) from Tai Tuivasa, Sergei Pavlovich and Sergey Spivak respectively.
It was also the last fight left on his current UFC contract. Fans will have to wait and see what the 38-year-old decides is best to do in the next segment of his career.
What did you make of Derrick Lewis cerebration and his post-fight antics? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
