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Derrick Lewis is both figuratively and literally one of the UFC‘s biggest stars.
The charismatic New Orleans native and former No. 1 contender for heavyweight title is known for his immense knockout power.
But Lewis is also hindered by his seeming unwillingness to commit to losing weight and getting in better shape.
That led to a major issue in Lewis’ last fight against Sergey Spivak where Lewis was submitted in the first round. It was his third consecutive loss.
As it turns out, Lewis probably shouldn’t have even been allowed to compete on the card at all.
Derrick Lewis Reveals He Passed Out At Last UFC Fight Night Weigh-In
“The last fight, I actually passed out just before weigh-ins,” Lewis said at UFC 291 media day. “I blacked out, my coaches had to carry me, make sure I stayed conscious, and I just didn’t have any energy the rest of the week.”
Lewis then revealed that he had to cut 25 pounds in three days to make the 285-pound heavyweight limit.
“I cut like 25 pounds in three days, not eating, just drinking water — probably just a little something to eat,” he said. It was a big eye-opener and it was in the back of my head during the fight. I felt like I actually died, and I was thinking about all of the other fighters who went through that — they blacked out, came back, and couldn’t fight, they didn’t let the fighter fight. Good thing it happened at the [UFC Performance Institute] and they gave me everything I needed to get up and walk out of there. It was a very scary moment.”
Lewis says that since that fight, he’s decided to commit more seriously to his health and weight. He squares off with Brazilian Marcos Rogerio de Lima on Saturday night’s card in Salt Lake City.
A fourth consecutive loss could well land Lewis in jeopardy when it comes to his spot in the UFC.