The world of mixed martial arts is synonymous with punishing exercises and strict nutritional plans. Such is the domain of hardened competitors who drive themselves to the very edge. UFC heavy hitter Derrick Lewis possesses an unorthodox power supply in Popeyes chicken.
As he indicated, Lewis says it sustained him all this while. In addition to being a humorous character, Derrick Lewis is also famous for his deadly fists. At UFC St. Louis this weekend, he expects to extend his knockout record again. He amusingly attributed his long life in the game to the famous fried chicken franchise Popeyes.
At first I thought it was Popeyeโs, but now theyโre telling me that itโs not a good idea for me to be eating Popeyeโs whenever, Iโm almost 40. So I donโt know, I donโt know what it is. My nutrition, itโs been a rough road, I think Iโm finally getting the hang of it.
Derrick Lewis during the pre-fight press conference
The 39-year-old โ Black Beastโ has etched his name in UFC folklore with the highest number of knockouts in his professional career. Most athletes opt for meticulously planned diets and supplements. Derrick Lewis, however, has embraced his love for Popeyes with open arms.ย
However, Lewisโ recent bout with Jailton Almeida at UFC Sao Paulo exposed the potential pitfalls of his Popeyes-fueled regimen. Lewis went on to lose a dull decision after being smothered on the ground for five rounds.ย
Derrick Lewis prepares to face Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC St. Louis this weekend. The MMA world eagerly anticipates whether the โPopeyes Powerโ will triumphantly return or Lewisโ newfound dietary discipline will unleash an even more formidable version of โThe Black Beast.โ
Derrick Lewis is open to giving up his headliner spot up
In Mixed Martial Arts, fighters do not give up their place for others. Derrick Lewis has recently shown a humble side of him. The heavyweight KO artist surprised everyone when he said he was ready to let the hometown hero headline UFC St. Louis.
Lewis was speaking at a pre-fight press conference held for UFC St.Louis recently. The heavyweight star stated that he was willing to have the main event headlined by Joaquin Buckley, the hometown hero.
I donโt know why I keep getting main events either. I know Iโve said this on national TV so many times that I didnโt want to be [the] main eventโฆ [Buckley] can still have it. The sht ain’t start yet. He can still get it.
Derrick Lewis during the pre-fight press conference
Lewisโ nonchalant attitude towards headlining the event is a breath of fresh air. His willingness to step aside for Buckley, a rising star and hometown hero, speaks volumes about his character and priorities. Buckley will face Nursulton Ruziboev, an Uzbek fighter, as they square off in the co-main event of the evening. Lewisโ willingness to let Buckley shine in his hometown serves as a reminder that true greatness extends beyond the confines of the cage.ย