Derrick Lewis Next Fight: ‘Black Beast’ Returns Saturday To Face Dangerous Prospect In November

Derrick Lewis will wrap up his 2024 fight schedule when he heads north of the border to take on Jhonata Diniz. A fighter that has scored finishes in all but one of his eight fights.

High risk, low reward: It has been three years since Lewis scored consecutive victories. That may be why he is taking on a fighter further down the heavyweight pecking order. However, there is a notable risk for him in the matchup.

In this division, everyone has power and the ability to end fights instantly. A loss to Diniz would be a major upset. However, a victory will not do much for Lewis’ status in the UFC heavyweight rankings since he is sure to be a big favorite before fight night.

Not built to last: Both men are knockout machines. “Black Beast” has scored 23 KOs in his 28 career wins while the Brazilian has seven in his eight career fights. Lewis has gone to a decision just twice in the last four years. Don’t expect this one to go the distance.

• Derrick Lewis vs. Jhonata Diniz betting odds: Lewis (+145), Diniz (-175)

The bottom line: It has been an up-and-down last three years for Lewis. After winning four straight he is 3-5 since 2021. If he ever wants to compete for a world title again, he needs to get on a winning streak and score a big win over the rising prospect this weekend.

What makes Derrick Lewis so popular?

You would think being named “The Black Beast” should strike fear in the hearts of observers of the sport. However, in the case of Lewis, while he surely gives opponents cold sweats, he has become a beloved and comedic figure in the MMA industry. From his admiration of Popeye’s chicken to his hilariously infamous hot balls moment at UFC 229 in 2018, he has become an adored and one-of-a-kind figure in the UFC.

However, what the Texan has done inside the Octagon is no laughing matter as he has charted a path of destruction over his decade fight in the UFC.

• Derrick Lewis record: 28-12 (23 knockouts, 1 submission)
• Lewis has the most KOs in UFC history at 14. Six of those came in the first round
• During his time in the promotion, Lewis has scored notable wins against familiar names like Roy Nelson, Travis Browne, Alexander Volkov, Curtis Blaydes (twice), Aleksei Oleinik, and even current heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou
• Lewis has lost in both of his heavyweight title opportunities. In 2018 versus Daniel Cormier, and last year against Gane in an interim championship bout.
• “The Black Beast” hit a new stratosphere of popularity with his infamous “my balls were hot” moment in 2018. Where he removed his fight shorts before a victory interview with Joe Rogan
• Before he became an MMA star, Lewis spent three-and-a-half years in jail for a parole violation

Derrick Lewis’ net worth

The measure of a fighter often comes down to the bucks they’ve made during a career of fisticuffs. As of right now, Derrick Lewis’ net worth is speculated to be upwards of $2 million.