Derrick Lewis was highlighted as the main eventer for UFC Fight Night on 11th May. After winning the fight, he did something unexpected, dividing the fanbase. Lewis is known for pulling off feats after victories that some may consider iconic while others consider indecent. After he secured the match in the third round against Rodrigo Nascimento, Lewis flashed the crowd.

The MMA star has been previously criticized for some actions, but that didn’t stop him from doing what he felt like doing at the moment, standing in the middle of the octagon, waiting for the interview to begin.

Was Derrick Lewis paying homage to Rikishi?

After winning the bout against Nascimento, Lewis pulled his shorts a little lower from the backside and shined them to one side of the crowd sitting around the octagon. That was probably his way of celebrating the victory in the third round. Although the fans present in the arena had nothing but cheers for the winner, it is a whole other story online.

Lewis foreshadowed his move hours before his fight with Nascimento. He talked about his potential in WWE and claimed that if he debuts in the Stamford-based company, his finisher would have something to do with Rikishi.

Since the WWE legend is known for his iconic move, ‘Stink Face’, Lewis revealed that Rikishi inspires him, adding that he likes removing his shorts. After his victory on UFC Fight Night, hours after this interview, he showed in action that he chooses his words after careful consideration and doesn’t lie to the fans.

The fans, however, were not happy with what he did in the octagon. While the crowd in St. Louis cheered for Derrick Lewis as he was pulling down his shorts, the online community thought of it otherwise.

Fans attack Derrick Lewis on social media

UFC’s official Europe page posted the video clip from the night on ‘X’. This attracted a lot of attention from fans while also clearing up that the MMA promotion was not upset with Lewis’ move. However, some of the viewers attacked The Black Beast on Twitter.

A fan considered this move ‘cringe’, confirming that he did not desire to see the way that Lewis was trying to celebrate his victory.

Another fan claimed that they were fed up of the indecency that is being shown on live TV. This seemed like an attack, particularly on UFC.

Another viewer wanted the MMA superstar to keep his morals in check and pay attention to whether women and children were also in the audience before pulling off such feats.

While there was a possibility that Derrick Lewis’ decision may have upset his management, UFC Europe uploading the clip itself suggests otherwise.

This internet user also has the same question for UFC. However, considering that they showed no hesitation in sharing the clip, it may not be a big deal after all.

What are your thoughts about Derrick Lewis trying to pay an alleged tribute to Rikishi? Could this speed up his appearance in the pro wrestling industry?