Derrick `The Black Beast` Lewis stands as one of the UFC heavyweight division`s most enduring and beloved figures. Renowned equally for his devastating knockout power, which accounts for the vast majority of his victories, and his uniquely hilarious, unfiltered post-fight interviews, Lewis has cultivated a public persona that is unapologetically authentic and wildly entertaining. As he prepares for his upcoming bout against Tallison Teixeira at UFC Nashville, however, Lewis has indicated a notable shift in his approach – not to the fight itself, but to his conduct outside the cage, particularly the viral moments that follow a victory.
In a recent conversation, Lewis revealed that the spontaneous, often outrageous comments that have become his trademark may become less frequent. The motivation behind this change is surprisingly relatable: his children. With his kids growing older, Lewis explained that he is now actively trying to be more “mindful” of his public actions and words. The objective? To avoid causing them embarrassment.
This newfound self-awareness stems from a practical realization. As Lewis participates in his children`s school events and other public activities, he`s become acutely aware that the parents and other adults present are likely familiar with his profession and, more significantly, his widely shared post-fight interviews. The potential for their kids (and possibly his own) to experience second-hand embarrassment, or for these interactions to become socially awkward, has prompted `The Black Beast` to consider a more measured public demeanor.
“I`m trying to be mindful of the things I do because they want me to go to their school events and stuff like that,” Lewis stated, contrasting this new approach with his previous lack of consideration in the heat of the moment. He acknowledged that while he never thought about the implications immediately after a fight, the aftermath brought a sense of regret. Now, the desire to maintain a respectable image within his children`s social circle is influencing his actions. It`s a fascinating evolution for a fighter whose brand was built on precisely the opposite – complete, unvarnished spontaneity.
Yet, while Lewis is applying this strategic `mindfulness` to his post-fight persona, his characteristic approach to opponent scouting appears largely unchanged. When discussing his upcoming foe, Tallison Teixeira, Lewis noted his awareness of Teixeira`s height (6`7″) and Brazilian origin. But the revelation that Teixeira is primarily a striker with no recorded UFC takedowns genuinely surprised him.
His reaction: “Oh good. What? A Brazilian striker? That’s rare,” delivered with classic Lewis deadpan, suggests that while his public delivery may be undergoing refinement out of parental consideration, his pre-fight intelligence gathering remains… uniquely `Black Beast`. It`s a touch of familiar unpredictability nestled within the narrative of personal change.
This duality – a legendary knockout artist simultaneously managing his public image for family while maintaining his spontaneous fight-week approach – adds another layer to the Derrick Lewis story. Fans watching UFC Nashville will not only anticipate his heavy hands but also perhaps a slightly more restrained, though no less compelling, presence on the microphone should he emerge victorious. The `Black Beast` is evolving, perhaps not in his fight game, but certainly in his game outside the cage, driven by the most relatable of motivations: making his kids proud (or at least, not mortified).
Percy Harlow