Derrick Lewis Eyes Title Shot, White House Card Amid UFC 324 Return

UFC heavyweight veteran Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis is poised for a significant return at UFC 324 this Saturday, where he aims to secure a record-setting 17th knockout victory against Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Lewis, who claims to be in the “best shape of his life,” views this bout as a critical stepping stone towards a coveted title shot and has also expressed keen interest in participating in a highly anticipated, one-time “UFC White House” event. His confidence, coupled with his formidable power, sets the stage for a pivotal moment in his career.

Lewis Confident of Quick KO at UFC 324

Derrick Lewis enters his UFC 324 bout against Waldo Cortes-Acosta with characteristic confidence, openly dismissing his opponent’s chances. The 40-year-old heavyweight, known for his devastating knockout power, has not shied away from predicting a swift finish. Speaking at the UFC 324 media day, Lewis questioned the oddsmakers who picked against him, stating, “He should’ve had no business in the cage with me.”

Lewis believes Cortes-Acosta shares similarities with Roy Nelson, whom Lewis defeated in 2016, suggesting he anticipates no surprises from the Dominican fighter. His prediction for the fight is direct and unwavering: a “first-round knockout.” Lewis elaborated on his strategy, expecting to “swarm Cortes-Acosta early” to secure a quick finish. A dominant victory over Cortes-Acosta, who has a strong 2025 record with back-to-back knockouts, would undoubtedly be a statement win for Lewis, potentially propelling him back into the top five of the heavyweight division and the immediate title picture, according to BJPENN.COM.

Resurgence and “Best Shape of His Life” Claim

Derrick Lewis has experienced a notable resurgence in his career following a challenging period where he managed only one win in five fights. Since then, “The Black Beast” has secured victories in three of his last four outings, displaying an improved physical condition that many attribute to his renewed success. Prior to his flying knee knockout against Marcos Rogerio de Lima, Lewis showcased a visibly leaner physique, a trend he suggests will continue at the upcoming weigh-ins for UFC 324.

On The Beast and the Cowboy podcast, Lewis emphatically declared, “I ain’t gonna lie to you, I’m in the best shape of my life, right now. Mentally and physically, everything is going perfectly.” He attributed this improved state to receiving “some great peptides” from the UFC, which he had been taking daily and feeling the difference. However, Lewis later clarified that he had “misspoken” about the peptides, as most are considered banned substances under the UFC’s anti-doping program. Despite the brief controversy, his claim of peak physical condition underscores his commitment and high expectations for his performance at UFC 324.

“The Black Beast” Aims for Record KO and Title Shot

Derrick Lewis holds the distinction of being the UFC’s all-time knockout king, boasting an impressive 16 KOs within the promotion. His resume includes notable victories over formidable opponents such as Gabriel Gonzaga, Curtis Blaydes, and Alexander Volkov, solidifying his reputation as one of combat sports’ hardest hitters. At UFC 324, Lewis will be pursuing his 17th knockout, further extending his record and cementing his legacy in the heavyweight division.

Beyond setting new records, Lewis has a clear objective: a title shot. He expressed to MMA Fighting his belief that a win over Cortes-Acosta, given his opponent’s ranking, would make a strong case for him to challenge for either an interim or undisputed title. “I believe [I earn a shot if I win at UFC 324], just because of where [Cortes-Acosta] is at in the rankings,” Lewis stated, emphasizing the significance of this particular matchup for his championship aspirations. His consistent power and recent winning streak, including consecutive knockout victories in main event appearances, position him as a perennial threat in the unpredictable heavyweight landscape.

Eyeing a Historic UFC White House Event

Adding another layer of intrigue to his career ambitions, Derrick Lewis has voiced a strong desire to be part of a potential, unprecedented “UFC White House” card. UFC CEO Dana White has indicated that matchmakers would begin assembling this historic fight card immediately after the conclusion of UFC 324. Lewis views this as a “one-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, believing no other president would allow such an event to happen.

“Anything that sells, I believe, will be perfect,” Lewis told MMA Fighting, acknowledging the unique appeal of the event. He added, “People just want to see how everything is going to pan out being at the White House because it’s going to be a one-time thing only, I’m sure.” His excitement about potentially participating in such a landmark event highlights his understanding of the sport’s evolving landscape and his eagerness to be part of its most significant moments. Even if he doesn’t fight, he plans to watch, underscoring the magnitude of the proposed event.

A Lesson in Respect: The Boxer Incident

Derrick Lewis’s reputation as “The Black Beast” and the Octagon’s KO king extends beyond his professional UFC bouts. In 2019, a memorable incident showcased his willingness to defend the honor of MMA against a disrespectful challenger. A boxer at a local gym had been speaking negatively about MMA fighters, boasting that he could easily knock out Lewis due to his sport. Lewis, never one to back down, offered the individual a chance to prove his claims.

The UFC star uploaded footage of the encounter, which saw him don boxing gloves and step into the ring with the confident pugilist. The outcome was swift and decisive. In less than a minute, Lewis’s heavy hands overwhelmed the boxer, who frantically tried to escape the ferocious punches before eventually sticking his body through the ropes to stop the onslaught. This incident, highlighted by Bloody Elbow, served as a stark reminder of Lewis’s immense power and his readiness to make anyone “pay for their arrogance,” reinforcing his intimidating presence in combat sports.

Derrick Lewis’s enduring presence in the heavyweight division, marked by his unparalleled knockout record and consistent ability to challenge top contenders, is a testament to his unique blend of power and resilience. Despite being 40, his current physical conditioning and clear career objectives—from securing a title shot to participating in historic events—demonstrate that he remains a significant force whose performances continue to shape the narrative of the UFC’s heaviest weight class.