The TKO merger has opened the door for many UFC fighters to migrate to WWE, and possibly vice versa. Some of the biggest UFC stars, like Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey, have tried their luck in WWE and achieved tremendous success. Following in their footsteps, UFC heavyweight fighter Derrick Lewis has also expressed his desire to join WWE.
While speaking at the UFC on ESPN 56 press conference, he was asked about his opinion on the recent merger between both companies. Derrick Lewis stated that he has been in talks with the Stamford-based company for months now. The 39-year-old star added that he was supposed to visit WWE a few months ago.Â
Moreover, Lewis had also figured out his finishing move, expressing his desire to use WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi‘s signature move. However, the UFC heavyweight revealed a rather unusual reason for using the stinkface: that he likes to pull down his shorts. He even referred to himself as Rikishi 2.0. The 39-year-old star recently defeated Marcos Rogério de Lima at UFC 291 and will soon fight Rodrigo Nascimento on May 11.
We [WWE and Lewis] are actually in talks right now. We’ve been talking for a few months. I was supposed to go down there in February to check everything out. It’d have to be something like Rikishi. You might see it. I like taking down my shorts. You might see something like that.
Derrick Lewis via UFC 56 press conference (H/T : Fightful)
As for the partnership between the two companies, another UFC star, Michael Chandler, made an appearance on Raw and challenged Conor McGregor on the February 19 episode. Lewis is a fierce fighter who has 14 knockouts to his name, the most by anyone under the UFC banner. It will be interesting to see in what capacity he will come to WWE, if he does.
Derrick Lewis feels like he is at the peak of his career
Ahead of his fight against Rodrigo Nascimento on May 11, Derrick Lewis spoke with the media. He explained how he was feeling ahead of his main event fight at the UFC on ESPN 56 in St. Louis.
Derrick Lewis (via UFC)Upon being asked how he felt about his match, the 39-year-old star stated that he was the most excited about this fight. Lewis said that he felt good about his body and was feeling healthy and ready to go.
Just how good I am feeling. I’m feeling great right now. I actually really feel like this is my prime. Whenever I was in my 20s, early 30s or what, I didn’t feel this good and now I’m feeling like fantastic right now.
Derrick Lewis via UFC press conference
The Black Beast further added that, at the age of 39, he feels like he is in his prime. He said that he feels better now than he did when he was in his 20s and 30s. In his last fight, the UFC heavyweight suffered a loss at the hands of Jailton Almeida. It will be interesting to see whether he manages to bounce back from that loss or not.
