Derrick Lewis, aka ‘The Black Beast,’ has been the staple for devastating knockouts at the heavyweight division for a long time. The UFC star has been at the forefront since 2014 and is surely in the twilight of his illustrious career. His recent booking against Jhonata Diniz at UFC Edmonton would have been his 30th outing for the promotion.

Unfortunately, this fight got scrapped at the last moment after Lewis had to pull out due to a medical condition. So what does his future hold now?

What is next for Derrick Lewis?

According to UFC officials, Derrick Lewis was forced to withdraw from his scheduled fight due to a non-weight cut-related issue. Although he participated in the official weigh-ins, he was absent from the ceremonial weigh-ins that followed, leading to the announcement that he would not be competing.

This last-minute cancellation is a disappointing setback for Lewis, who was hoping to build on his recent knockout victory over Rodrigo Nascimento in May—a win that secured him the record for most knockouts in UFC history, with a staggering 15 to his name. Despite the cancellation, UFC Edmonton will proceed with 13 fights, while speculation about Lewis’s next opponent has already begun to circulate.

Notably, Lewis was initially set to face Alexander Romanov, but his opponent was changed for undisclosed reasons. Romanov remains a strong candidate for Lewis’s next matchup, setting the stage for an exciting showdown when he returns.

At UFC 291, ‘The Black Beast’ delivered a thrilling 33-second TKO victory over Marcos Rogerio de Lima, leaving fans and analysts buzzing about his next move. Many speculated whether he might part ways with the UFC or even retire. Yet, the decisive knockout seemed to reignite his passion, leading him to re-sign with the promotion instead.

However, with his recent bout canceled at the last minute, questions about Lewis’s next opponent remain. Two exciting prospects are on the table for the #11 ranked heavyweight: a possible showdown with fan-favorite Tai Tuivasa or perhaps a high-stakes clash with former champion Stipe Miocic. If all goes as planned, Lewis’s next fight could be one of the most anticipated heavyweight matchups of the year.

Is a rematch against Tuivasa on the cards for Lewis?

Currently ranked #11 in the UFC heavyweight division, Derrick Lewis sits just one spot above #12-ranked Tai Tuivasa. Fans will recall their intense clash at UFC 271, where Tuivasa emerged victorious with a KO in the second round, leaving the possibility of a rematch tantalizing.

Adding to the intrigue, Lewis recently shared his prediction for the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight, suggesting Jones would secure a first-round victory and reiterating his belief that Jones is the true GOAT—an opinion UFC president Dana White has frequently echoed.

Could a Lewis-Miocic bout be on the horizon if Miocic loses to Jones? While there is talk that Miocic may retire regardless of the outcome, surprises are common in the UFC. Who do you think Lewis might face next? Let us know in the comments!