After Ben Rothwell was pulled out of UFC 203’s co-headliner against Fabricio Werdum with an injury, Derrick Lewis was very quick to make his interest known on social media.
Before Rothwell’s withdraw was even made public, however, Lewis (16-4 MMA, 7-2 UFC), had already hinted at the possibility of being present at UFC 203. Interviewed by MMAjunkie Radio that very morning, the heavyweight was mysterious, but “already saying too much,” hinted at someone being injured in that card.
Not one to be discrete about his thoughts, Lewis later took to twitter to express how he felt about Travis Browne taking the spot.
Former champ Werdum later told MMAjunkie that he had seen Lewis’ call-outs on twitter, but was never actually offered him by the UFC. And, though satisfied with the Browne matchup, he agreed the Lewis fight could be interesting for the fans.
“I think the fans would also like a fight against him,” Werdum said. “He’s dangerous, strong, heavy, right there at the limit. But Travis Browne will also be interesting, also because it’s a rematch, they want to see it as well. With anyone, really, the important thing is coming out victorious.”
Still waiting on a fight – and making sure people know it – Lewis is in training and staying ready for, basically, whomever.
“I’m always working on myself,” Lewis told MMAjunkie radio. “I really don’t care about my opponent. His strong suit or whatever, or his weakness, I’m just worrying about myself. I feel like as long as my condition is on point I don’t believe anyone can beat me. I don’t care who that is.”
When asked about what – or if – Lewis thinks of the divisional titleholder Stipe Miocic in terms of a stylistic matchup, he was similarly casual.
“I think I match up very well,” Lewis said. “He’s a heavyweight and everyone in the heavyweight division… One hand he can knock you out and this and that. You know, I just look at everyone as just average, really. I feel like everyone in the heavyweight division can win on any given day. I don’t believe anyone in the division, even myself, is unbeatable. It really doesn’t matter. I look at all of them the same, everyone average.”
Lewis’ candid opinions weren’t limited to possible matchups in his near future. Questioned about his views on the Professional Fighters Association’s newly-formed union, Lewis wasn’t even aware of its existence. But offered his viewpoint on the fighters’ current status regardless.
“I guess it’s a good thing,” Lewis said. “If it’s got anything to do with us making more money, I’m down with it. I believe we don’t need a manager right now, they can’t get us no sponsors or anything. So we’re wasting money on managers.”
When it was pointed out that his own manager might not appreciate the comments, Lewis had yet another sincere reply.
“I don’t care, what is he going to do?” Lewis said.“‘We can’t manage you no more, I don’t want your percentage?’ OK”
Lewis also took the opportunity to reinforce his views on his colleagues and their use of steroids. The heavyweight, who had previously stated that “70 percent” of the division used PEDs, also said he has no problem fighting artificially enhanced opposition.
“I don’t care if the guy is juicing or not, it really don’t matter,” Lewis said. “That stuff don’t help, you know. It just makes you look good. But I believe steroids don’t give you that extra boost when you go out there. First of all, I believe the guys taking it, they’re really insecure. So, that’s the only advantage I see. Just being insecure about it and making yourself feel good. I guess they think they have that extra boost.”
