Throughout his career in the UFC, Derrick Lewis has consistently been a significant draw, often featuring in main events.
Heavyweight fights are prime headliners largely due to the potential for knockouts, a skill Lewis is particularly famous for.
Fans attending UFC Nashville anticipate seeing another signature `The Black Beast` performance when Lewis squares off against emerging heavyweight Tallison Teixeira.
While his impressive knockout record certainly contributes, Lewis`s status as a fan favorite isn`t solely based on his ability to finish fights dramatically.
His distinctive fighting style and famously humorous interviews have made him one of the sport`s most recognizable personalities. However, this characteristic might be less apparent in his upcoming bout.
Derrick Lewis Adopts More `Mindful` Approach to Avoid Embarrassing His Kids
In a recent interview with Shakiel Mahjouri leading up to UFC Nashville, Derrick Lewis was asked about which of his many memorable lines most embarrasses his children.
`The Black Beast` is arguably as well-known for his post-fight interview antics as he is for his impressive knockout victories.
Nonetheless, Lewis revealed he has been making a conscious effort recently to modify his behavior, suggesting that fans might not witness another viral post-fight declaration this time.
He explained that while controlling emotions immediately after a fight is challenging, he is attempting to be more considerate in those moments to prevent causing his children any embarrassment.
“So that’s why I’m not doing it anymore. I’m not doing that again. I never think about it in the moment but afterwards I think about it like, damn, I’m sorry.”
Lewis specifically highlighted his concern about how his post-fight actions might affect his children and his general reputation when he is out in public, especially around others who are aware of his profession.
“They’re older now so 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. So, I really don’t think about it until I’m like man, wait, these parents are around my age so they know about everything I’m doing and saying. So I’m like I got to take a step back.”
Derrick Lewis Pleased to Learn More About His Upcoming Opponent
While Derrick Lewis is striving for more mindfulness in his interviews, this doesn`t indicate a complete shift in his approach to fighting itself.
`The Black Beast` is often known for not doing extensive research on his opponents. However, he did mention in the interview that he is aware Tallison Teixeira is a 6`7″ Brazilian.
What he found surprising and welcoming was learning that Teixeira, the man he faces in Nashville, is also primarily a striker who has not attempted a single takedown in his UFC career so far.
“Oh good. What? A Brazilian striker? That’s rare.”
Jack Thornley