Derrick Lewis Bio
Derrick James Lewis is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for his exceptional knockout power, Lewis holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history with 16 finishes. He began his professional MMA career in 2010 and has fought for notable promotions including Bellator MMA and Legacy FC, where he was the Heavyweight Champion.
Early Life and Background
Derrick Lewis was born on February 7, 1985, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Raised as one of seven siblings by a single mother, he experienced a challenging childhood and was often involved in street fights. In 1998, his family relocated to Houston, Texas, where Lewis began training in boxing at the age of 17. His early life was marked by legal troubles, including a probation sentence and subsequent imprisonment. After serving three and a half years in prison, Lewis was introduced to mixed martial arts by a friend and continued boxing training under George Foreman while working as a tow-truck driver.
Path to MMA
Lewis started his amateur MMA career in late 2009, debuting against Jay Ross. After turning professional in 2010, he compiled a record of 4–1 before signing with Bellator MMA in May 2010. He competed in Bellator and later became the Heavyweight Champion at Legacy FC, which helped him gain recognition and led to his signing with the UFC. His early success and powerful striking established him as a promising heavyweight contender.
Derrick Lewis Career
Early Career (2009–2013)
Lewis began his MMA journey with an amateur debut in 2009, followed by turning professional in 2010. He fought in regional promotions and Bellator MMA, where he faced tough competition and gained valuable experience. His record before joining the UFC was marked by several wins, showcasing his knockout power and resilience in the heavyweight division.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2014–Present)
Derrick Lewis made his UFC debut in April 2014, winning via TKO in the first round against Jack May. He quickly became known for his explosive knockout ability, securing multiple Performance of the Night bonuses. Notable victories include a dramatic knockout win over Alexander Volkov in 2018 and a unanimous decision win against Francis Ngannou. Lewis challenged for the UFC Heavyweight Championship against Daniel Cormier in 2018 but lost by submission. Despite setbacks, he continued to deliver exciting fights, earning Fight of the Night honors and setting records for most knockouts in UFC history. His fighting style is characterized by powerful stand-up striking and an ability to absorb punishment while seeking knockout opportunities.
Silverback Fight Club Era (Present)
Currently training with Silverback Fight Club in Cypress, Texas, Derrick Lewis remains an active competitor in the UFC Heavyweight division. He continues to demonstrate his knockout prowess, recently extending his UFC record for most knockouts with a flying knee technical knockout in 2023. Lewis’s partnership with his team has helped maintain his competitive edge as he pursues further success in the division.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Lewis is known as a classic heavyweight fighter with devastating knockout power. He prefers stand-up striking, often engaging in aggressive exchanges described as “swangin’ and banging.” His ability to withstand grappling attempts and quickly return to his feet makes him a formidable opponent. Analysts praise his resilience and knockout capability, which have defined his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Derrick Lewis holds the UFC record for the most knockouts across all weight divisions, with 16 finishes. He has earned multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses. His heroic actions during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, where he rescued numerous people from floodwaters, have also brought him widespread recognition outside the octagon.
Derrick Lewis Career Wins
Throughout his career, Derrick Lewis has accumulated 29 professional wins, including 16 knockouts in the UFC. His victories span various promotions, highlighting his power and durability as a heavyweight contender.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Lewis has achieved 16 knockouts in the UFC, the most in the organization’s history. His first UFC win came by TKO against Jack May in 2014, and his most recent notable victory was a first-round technical knockout via flying knee in 2023. He has earned multiple bonuses for his performances and has been a consistent presence in the UFC heavyweight rankings.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Lewis was the Heavyweight Champion at Legacy FC and competed in Bellator MMA. His early career featured several knockout victories that established his reputation as a powerful striker in the heavyweight division.
Derrick Lewis Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Derrick Lewis was raised in a large family as the second oldest of seven siblings by a single mother. Details about his parents or any family involvement in sports are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Lewis is married and has three children. He married his long-time girlfriend in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2017. Beyond his fighting career, Lewis is known for his community efforts, including rescuing people during Hurricane Harvey in Houston. He resides in Cypress, Texas.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Derrick Lewis continues to compete actively in the UFC Heavyweight division. He secured a quick technical knockout victory in July 2025 and is scheduled to face Waldo Cortes-Acosta in January 2026. Lewis remains a significant contender, leveraging his knockout power and experience to maintain his position in the heavyweight rankings. His partnership with Silverback Fight Club supports his ongoing pursuit of success in the division.