Heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis will remain with the UFC, as the fighter has signed a new eight-fight deal. Lewis’ contract expired after his most recent win, and he announced plans to test free agency after the bout.
Derrick Lewis Returns To UFC With Eight-Fight Contract
UFC heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis will continue competing inside the Octagon.
UFC president Dana White and executive Hunter Campbell first mentioned the signing earlier this week, and MMA Fighting has since confirmed the news.
Lewis, who scored a 33-second finish over Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC 291 last month, inked an eight-fight deal that will keep him with the promotion for the next several years.
The 38-year-old snapped a three-fight losing skid with the win, which was his 18th with the UFC. His finish, the 14th inside the Octagon, put him in first place in UFC history, one ahead of Matt Brown.
Twice before Lewis has competed for the heavyweight title, losing to Daniel Cormier in 2018 and Ciryl Gane in 2021. The bout with Gane was for the interim championship at the time.
Derrick Lewis To PFL Was Just Talk
There were rumors that the PFL could be interested in bringing in Lewis for a potential showdown with Francis Ngannou. Back in 2018 at UFC 226 in Las Vegas, it was “The Black Beast” earning a decision victory over the now-former heavyweight champion.
Lewis used that win to earn a spot vs. Alexander Volkov in a title-eliminator bout at UFC 229 later that year, which he won with a third round knockout. He would be submitted by Cormier at UFC 230 for the title.
