Derrick Lewis Nickname ‘The Black Beast’: Meaning and Origin Behind the UFC Star’s Moniker

Derrick Lewis has attracted quite a bit of attention from the fighting community with his knockout power. Throughout his professional mixed martial arts career, the heavyweight prospect shone through 23 of his wins via knockout, 1 via submission, and the rest 4 via decision. Needless to say, Lewis loves to finish his bouts.

This impressive record has urged the fight fans to wonder about Lewis’ nickname. Was his nickname for KO the reason why he got the name ‘The Black Beast’? Let’s find out!

Why is Derrick Lewis called ‘The Black Beast’?

Lewis is an MMA legend and has competed in 33 MMA fights up till now. Throughout his career, one thing apart from the striking abilities that fans love him for is his unique nickname. Lewis is famously called ‘The Black Beast’ by his fans and this started back in 2010. The first real instance when Lewis was called ‘The Black Beast’ was in 2010 after he defeated Nick Mitchell via a 2nd round TKO, under the banner of World Gladiator.

Ever since then, the moniker has stuck with Lewis. At the same time, there is little information as to why or if Derrick Lewis actually chose this as his nickname. But one thing that is for certain, is that the nickname suits Lewis completely. A nickname is often used to describe the fighter’s personality and Lewis certainly does that, as he is no less than a beast when inside the Octagon.

Lewis is often touted as one of the hardest strikers in UFC. The fighter is the record holder for most wins by KO in UFC history. In a span of a decade (from 2014 to 2024), “The Black Beast’ has defeated 15 of his opponents via KO/TKO. His last fight against Rodrigo Nascimento was also a win via KO, as he took his Brazilian opponent down with overhand right to ground punches within a minute into the third round.

Even though Lewis won only 5 of his last 10 bouts, he is one of the strongest prospects in the UFC heavyweight division. And with every single victory, there comes a celebration that has often made the fighting community wonder about its origins.

Derrick Lewis reveals the origins behind his celebration

The other thing that strikes everyone when Lewis wins a fight is his gorilla celebration. And the heavyweight contender had revealed that the reason behind his celebration was his nickname ‘The Black Beast’. During a video put out by the UFC, the Texan fighter said, “They call me the Black Beast, so basically, that’s why I beat on my chest like a gorilla and I do a little stare or whatever. Like a gorilla pose, a beast staring at prey, and I slit my throat.”

Whether or not he came up with it, Lewis has clearly accepted ‘The Black Beast’ as his nickname. The fighter has also lived up to his nickname and has often performed like a beast inside the Octagon. Back in 2023, at UFC 291, he showcased why he’s worthy of the moniker. He sent Marcos Rogerio de Lima to the dream realm.  Lewis struck him with a flying knee and then sent multiple fists down on him when he was grounded. The referee was forced to conclude the fight in just 33 seconds.

Now, ‘The Black Beast’ is all set to land against Jhonata Diniz at the headliner fight for UFC Edmonton. The event will also witness the execution of two new rules. One of which includes the upliftment of the ban on 12-6 elbows. This might put Diniz in a corner. Well, Lewis would try to use every single weapon in his arsenal to extend his 1-fight winning spree with another KO win.

Do you think the nickname ‘The Black Beast’ suits Derrick Lewis? Let us know in the comments.