Derrick Lewis is ready to step into the octagon this weekend, fueled by a desire to impress not just his fans but also President Donald Trump. As he prepares to face Josh Hokit at the highly anticipated UFC White House event, Lewis is determined to deliver a performance that makes the President proud.
The matchup, which was the last to be announced for the card, came at the request of Trump, who has expressed his admiration for Lewis. Despite Hokit’s recent antics that have drawn attention—especially during the press conference—Lewis remains unfazed. He sees the pre-fight banter as just a way for Hokit to hype himself up.
“I really don’t care,” Lewis stated, brushing off Hokit’s remarks. “I think he’s just trying to get under my skin because he doesn’t know me and I don’t know him. We’re about to fight, so he’s looking for motivation.”
Lewis has been in the fight game long enough to know that trash talk is part of the sport. “It doesn’t matter what people say,” he added. “We get asked these questions all the time, and sometimes guys just don’t know how to respond, so they say whatever comes to mind.”
What truly matters to Lewis is his performance in the octagon. After a disappointing TKO loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta in January at UFC 324, he is eager to prove himself again. Lewis attributes his previous struggles to a back injury, which he claims has now healed.
“I believe I can knock this guy out,” Lewis said confidently. “He gets hit a lot, and I don’t think he can handle what I’m ready to deliver. This is honestly the best shape I’ve ever been in, and I want to show everyone why I’m one of the President’s favorite fighters.”
Notably, Lewis holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history, with 16 to his name. Known for his unique post-fight celebrations, including a penchant for removing his pants, Lewis hinted that this time might be different. “I’m going to be more professional, so I’m just going to throw my cup in the audience,” he joked. “No pants this time.”
As the fight draws near, fans are left wondering: will Lewis rise to the occasion and deliver a knockout performance worthy of the White House?
