Derrick Lewis Re-Signs With the UFC With Major Contract Renewal Despite Dana White’s Retirement Concerns, Fans React

UFC 291 saw heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis register a TKO win over Marcos Rogerio de Lima. It was his last UFC fight, following which many speculated about where he would go next or if he would remain in the UFC. However, reports suggest that ‘The Black Beast’ has re-signed with Dana White‘s promotion and fans have shared their reactions to the news on social media.

Fans love Derrick Lewis. However, after his last fight at UFC 291, the UFC president mentioned that the heavyweight veteran was thinking about retirement. Lewis was on a 3-fight losing streak. But his 33-second KO win helped him change his mind about retirement. Now he’s back as a member of the UFC’s roster.

‘The Black Beast’ is one of the most beloved fighters in the UFC. So it was only fitting for the UFC to renew his contract. Now, as per Executive Vice President Hunter Campbell, the promotion has signed Derrick Lewis to an 8-fight deal. It also puts to bed the rumors of him fighting Francis Ngannou.

READ MORE: After Near-Death Experience Confession During Weight Cut, “Ripped” Derrick Lewis With Abs at UFC 291 Weigh-Ins Has Fans Going Wild Over Transformation

It is important to note that Lewis is 38 years old. However, the UFC didn’t hesitate to give him another 8-fights to compete for considering how entertaining he’s been throughout his stint in the promotion. Let us take a look at what the fans had to say about this news.

Fans believe Derrick Lewis deserves to be in the UFC

The fans were quick to react to this news on Instagram. They believe that the 8-fight deal is an attempt from Derrick Lewis to hold on to his knockout record. They praised him for signing such a contract at 38 years old.

• 8 fights?? Bro is tryna hold that knockout record permanently
• The guy is 38 and just signed and 8 fight deal. Certified dawg
• He’ll be lucky if he fights 4 more times

Another set of fans mentioned how Derrick Lewis could have earned a lot if he fought Francis Ngannou. However, in the wake of his re-signing with the UFC, they now believe that he made the better decision.

• Could have got 2m to beat Francis in another split decision but didn’t, even more respect to Lewis
• Man’s said F Francis. 8 fights better than 1

Fans also stated that ‘The Black Beast’ has earned his place in the UFC and believe that the re-signing would not have been possible if he had not won his last fight.

• He’s earned his place & worth
• Fair play he was def getting cut if he didn’t win his last

Derrick Lewis is in the twilight stages of his career. Most fighters look for other avenues to earn some money. However, he chose to stay in the UFC and showed in his last fight that he still has a lot to offer. We will have to wait and see how this decision pans out in the days to come.

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