Derrick Lewis has never been one to hold back in front of a microphone, and UFC White House media day proved that even one of the most historic events in promotional history won’t change that. The heavyweight knockout artist heads into Sunday’s showdown with undefeated prospect Josh Hokit prepared for a difficult stylistic matchup, but true to form, Lewis balanced his fight analysis with the kind of outrageous humor and unforgettable one liners that have made him one of the UFC’s most beloved personalities.
“It’s pretty cool. I’m a freaky type of dude so I don’t mind some mimes playing with my booty hole or nothing like that,” Lewis joked with reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“No I ain’t ever had nothing (like that) before.”
Lewis (29-13) said he doesn’t expect Hokit to engage in an striking battle for 15 minutes, believing the undefeated heavyweight will lean on a more calculated approach. Based on what he’s seen, Lewis anticipates Hokit mixing in wrestling, clinch work and body attacks in an effort to slow him down and drain his gas tank as the fight progresses.
“I don’t think he’s going to fight me like that. I believe that he’s going to really try to utilize his wrestling and stuff like that. Probably try to stand a little bit,” he said.
“Really I believe that he’s going to try to get me tired so he’s going to go to the body a lot and stuff like that. A lot of clinch. He’s just going to try to get me tired.”
In the lead up to the fight Lewis had said that he would go ‘fist to ass’ against Hokit. The media room asked for clarification and Lewis did just that in his own way.
“It’s self-explained,” he said.
“Sh*t, if he try to grab me I’m going to oil check him and punch him in the ass if I have to. Got to get the win.”
Lewis was asked whether the unique setting of fighting at the White House might influence one of the most anticipated parts of any Lewis victory, his unforgettable post-fight celebrations. Unsurprisingly, “The Black Beast” suggested that if anything, the historic venue only increases the pressure to give fans something they’ll never forget.
“This my first time here so I’ve got to make it memorable,” said Lewis.
“So I’m sorry in advance.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Derrick Lewis above. He faces Josh Hokit at UFC White House on Sunday night.
