UFC star Derrick Lewis delivered an unforgettable performance in St. Louis, defeating Rodrigo Nascimento and then engaging in a series of bizarre and entertaining antics, including stripping off his shorts, mooning the crowd, and throwing his protective cup at the media.
Derrick Lewis's victory over Rodrigo Nascimento at the UFC Fight Night event in St. Louis on Saturday night was not only a triumph in the octagon but also an unforgettable spectacle that left the crowd both stunned and entertained.
After knocking out Nascimento in the third round for his 28th career mixed martial arts victory, Lewis proceeded to strip off his shorts and wave them at his fallen opponent. This was followed by a mooning of the crowd and a playful throw of his protective cup at the media sitting near the octagon.
The cup throw, Lewis later explained, was intentional. "You know, because y'all boys always talking s---," he said, via MMA Fighting. "Every now and then I've got to throw y'all under the bus like y'all do me. 'Oh, Derrick don't got it anymore! Blah blah blah!' Mmhmm."
Lewis admitted that he had initially planned to wait until the fifth round to unleash his full attack on Nascimento, but the opportunity presented itself earlier than expected. "I was really waiting for the fifth round then explode on him, but the opportunity was there," Lewis said. "He didn't let me catch my breath, that's why I had to finish him. I was trying to catch my breath, then wait it out."
The victory is likely to boost Lewis's ranking in the heavyweight division, where he currently sits at number 12. The current UFC heavyweight champion is Jon Jones, with Tom Aspinall as the interim champion and Ciryl Gane ranked second.
Lewis's antics in the aftermath of the fight drew mixed reactions. Some fans praised his sense of humor and willingness to engage with the crowd, while others criticized him for being disrespectful and unprofessional.
Regardless of one's opinion on Lewis's behavior, there is no doubt that he has a unique personality that makes him one of the most entertaining fighters in the UFC. His ability to connect with fans both inside and outside the octagon is a testament to his charisma and authenticity.
Lewis's victory over Nascimento is a reminder that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. With his power, charisma, and unpredictable nature, he is sure to continue to provide fans with memorable moments in the years to come.
