Derrick Lewis is a famous American professional mixed martial artist. He competes in the UFC heavyweight division. His real name is Derrick James Lewis. His stage name is “The Black Beast.” As of 2026, his age is 41 years. He was born on February 7, 1985.
His birthplace is New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. He now fights out of Houston, Texas. His height is 6 ft 3 in (191 cm). His weight is approximately 264 lb (120 kg). He is known for his devastating knockout power.
Derrick Lewis holds the record for most knockouts in UFC history. His net worth is estimated at $1.5 million in 2026. He earns from fight purses, bonuses, and endorsements. This article shares his full bio, stats, and legacy.
Derrick Lewis Wiki/Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Derrick James Lewis |
| Stage Name | Derrick Lewis (The Black Beast) |
| Age (2026) | 41 years |
| Birth Date | February 7, 1985 |
| Birthplace | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Weight | 264 lb (120 kg) |
| Profession | Mixed Martial Artist (UFC Heavyweight) |
| Career Start | 2010 (Professional MMA) |
| Viral Songs / Famous Works | UFC Record (most KOs), Memorable post-fight interviews |
| Albums / Projects | N/A |
| Record Label | N/A (Fights for UFC) |
| Family | Mother: Unknown, Father: Unknown (7 siblings) |
| Marital Status | Married to April Davis (since 2017) |
| Children | 3 children (2 sons, 1 daughter) |
| Achievements | UFC record for most KOs (16), Most finishes in HW division, Legacy FC Heavyweight Champion |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
| Income Sources | UFC fight purses, Performance bonuses, Endorsements (Monster Energy, Harley-Davidson, etc.) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Large, Heavyweight |
| Shoe Size | 13 (US) |
| Chest Size | 48 inches |
| Waist Size | 42 inches |
| Biceps Size | 18 inches |
| Skin Tone | Dark Brown |
Derrick Lewis Real Name
Derrick Lewis’s full real name is Derrick James Lewis. He uses Derrick Lewis for his MMA career. His middle name James honors a family member. He rarely uses his middle name publicly.
Most fans know him as “The Black Beast.” That is his official fighting nickname. His real name appears on legal UFC contracts. It also appears on his Sherdog fighter profile. He signs autographs simply as Derrick Lewis.
His real name carries a strong, simple sound. It matches his straightforward fighting style. He never changed his name for show business. His authenticity shines through his real identity. He is proud to be Derrick James Lewis.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Real Name | Derrick James Lewis |
| Nickname | The Black Beast |
| Name Origin | English / American |
| Used for | Legal documents, UFC contracts |
Derrick Lewis Early Life and Education
Derrick Lewis was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in a very rough neighborhood. He was one of seven children raised by a single mother. Money was very tight for the family. They often struggled to make ends meet.
As a teenager, Lewis often got into street fights. He was the second oldest among his siblings. In 1998, his family relocated to Houston, Texas for safety. He graduated from Cypress Springs High School. He briefly attended college on a football scholarship.
Lewis’s early life was filled with trouble and legal issues. He later served three years in prison for aggravated assault. Prison was a wake-up call for him. He decided to change his life forever. He started boxing at age 17 to channel his anger.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Hometown | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Moved to | Houston, Texas (1998) |
| High School | Cypress Springs High School |
| College | Briefly attended (Football scholarship) |
| Early Legal Trouble | Prison for aggravated assault |
Derrick Lewis Parents and Siblings
Derrick Lewis was raised primarily by his single mother. His father was largely absent from his life. He does not speak much about his parents publicly. His mother worked very hard to provide for the family.
He grew up with six siblings, making him the second oldest. He has often described his home as chaotic. The lack of supervision led him to the streets. He fought often to protect himself and his siblings. Despite the hardships, they remain a close-knit family.
Derrick rarely discusses his father in interviews. He focuses on being a better father to his own kids. His mother now lives in a home he bought for her. He credits his difficult childhood for his mental toughness in the cage.
| Family Member | Relationship | Occupation / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mother | Single mother | Not publicly named |
| Father | Absent | Not publicly named |
| Siblings | 6 (2 older, 4 younger) | Details private |
| Spouse | April Davis (Wife) | Married 2017 |
| Children | 3 (2 sons, 1 daughter) | Names not public |
Derrick Lewis Wife or Girlfriend
Derrick Lewis is married to his wife, April Davis. The couple tied the knot in 2017 in Honolulu, Hawaii. April has been a constant support throughout his UFC career. She has stood by him through wins and losses.
The couple has three children together. They have two sons and one daughter. Derrick keeps his children’s names and faces private. He wants to protect them from the public eye. He often speaks about being a better father than his own was.
Before April, Derrick had a long-term girlfriend. His past relationships were rocky at times. But April brought stability and love into his life. She manages much of his home life so he can train. Their marriage appears very strong and happy.
| Relationship Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse Name | April Davis |
| Marriage Year | 2017 |
| Marriage Location | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Children | 3 (Two sons, One daughter) |
Derrick Lewis Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
In 2026, Derrick Lewis is 41 years old. He was born on February 7, 1985. His height is 6 ft 3 in (191 cm). His weight is approximately 264 lb (120 kg). He has a very large, heavyweight body frame.
Derrick has dark brown eyes and black hair. He is bald on top but keeps his facial hair short. His body type is thick and powerful. His chest size is 48 inches. His waist size is 42 inches. His biceps are 18 inches of solid muscle. He wears shoe size 13 (US). His skin tone is dark brown.
He does not have a chiseled physique. He is built more like a brawler than a bodybuilder. His power comes from his natural strength and weight. He uses his size to overwhelm opponents. At 41, he is still a dangerous heavyweight.
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 41 years |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Weight | 264 lb (120 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Heavyweight / Stocky |
| Chest Size | 48 inches |
| Waist Size | 42 inches |
| Biceps Size | 18 inches |
| Shoe Size | 13 (US) |
| Skin Tone | Dark Brown |
Derrick Lewis Before Fame
Before the UFC, Derrick Lewis had a troubled past. He was frequently involved in street fights as a teen. At 17, he moved to Houston and started boxing. He had his first amateur fight soon after.
However, his anger led him to prison at age 20. He served three years for aggravated assault. In prison, he vowed to turn his life around. He started training seriously in mixed martial arts. After his release, he began competing in small promotions.
His early pro career was in Bellator MMA and Legacy FC. He struggled at first with discipline and training. But his raw power was undeniable. He won the Legacy FC Heavyweight Championship in 2013. The UFC came calling shortly after that big win.
| Before Fame Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| First Sport | Boxing (age 17) |
| Prison Time | 3 years (Aggravated assault) |
| Pro Debut | 2010 |
| First Major Org | Bellator MMA |
| Title Before UFC | Legacy FC Heavyweight Champ (2013) |
Derrick Lewis Career
Derrick Lewis made his UFC debut on April 19, 2014. He won via TKO in the first round. He quickly became known for knockout power. His right hand is one of the deadliest in UFC history.
In 2018, he fought for the interim heavyweight title against Daniel Cormier. He lost via submission but earned huge respect. Later that year, he defeated Alexander Volkov in a legendary comeback. He was down two rounds but landed a last-second KO. That win solidified his place as a fan favorite.
Lewis holds the UFC record for most knockouts (16) in the promotion’s history. He has notable wins over Francis Ngannou, Curtis Blaydes, and Junior Dos Santos. As of April 2026, he is ranked #9 in the UFC heavyweight division. He continues to fight, aiming for one last title run.
| Career Milestone | Year/Details |
|---|---|
| UFC Debut | April 19, 2014 (Win vs. Jack May) |
| UFC Record | Most KOs in history (16) |
| Title Shot | UFC 230 (Lost to Daniel Cormier) |
| Notable Win | KO vs. Alexander Volkov (2018) |
| Legacy FC Title | 2013 (Pre-UFC) |
| UFC Ranking (2026) | #9 Heavyweight |
Derrick Lewis Social Media Presence
Derrick Lewis is not very active on social media. He has an X (Twitter) account with over 370,000 followers. His handle is @Thebeast_ufc. He posts rarely, often only after fights or big events.
He does not have a public Instagram account that he manages himself. He prefers to stay offline and focus on training. However, his post-fight interviews often go viral. He is known for his hilarious, unfiltered comments.
His most famous viral moment was taking off his shorts in the octagon. He has also dropped his pants during interviews. His humor and authenticity make him a social media legend. Fans love his raw and unscripted personality.
| Platform | Handle | Followers (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | @Thebeast_ufc | 370,000+ |
| Not publicly active | N/A |
Derrick Lewis Net Worth
As of 2026, Derrick Lewis’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million. His wealth comes primarily from his UFC career. He has earned significant paydays as a main event fighter. His base pay per fight is around $300,000.
His biggest payday was his title fight against Daniel Cormier at UFC 230. He reportedly earned over $500,000 for that bout. He also receives performance bonuses for knockouts. His total career earnings from the UFC exceed $5 million.
Lewis has endorsement deals with brands like Monster Energy and Harley-Davidson. He also had a memorable deal with Popeyes Chicken for a lifetime supply. He owns a home in Houston and a collection of cars. His net worth continues to grow as he fights on.
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Per Fight Purse | $300,000+ |
| Highest Payday (UFC 230) | $500,000+ |
| Performance Bonuses | $50,000 per KO |
| Endorsements | $100,000+ annually |
| Total Net Worth | $1.5 million |
Derrick Lewis Legacy and Impact
Derrick Lewis is the UFC’s all-time knockout king. He has 16 knockouts, the most in company history. His right hand is one of the most feared weapons in MMA. He knocked out Francis Ngannou when no one else could.
He is also famous for his incredible durability. He has survived fights with broken bones and torn muscles. He never quits and always swings for the fences. His “let me bang, bro” quote is iconic. It represents his simple, violent approach to fighting.
Outside the cage, he is a hero in Houston. He saved over 100 people during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. He used his truck to rescue strangers from floodwaters. His legacy is one of power, humor, and a big heart.
| Legacy Metric | Stat |
|---|---|
| UFC Knockouts | 16 (All-time record) |
| Notable Wins | Ngannou, Blaydes, Volkov |
| Hurricane Harvey Saves | ~100 people |
| Years in UFC | 12+ (since 2014) |
| Fan Favorite Status | Top 5 in UFC history |
Derrick Lewis Nationality and Religion
Derrick Lewis holds American nationality. He was born in New Orleans, but represents Houston, Texas. He is very proud of his American roots. He often wears American flag gear during fight week.
His religion is Christianity. He was raised in the Christian faith. He prays before every fight inside the octagon. He thanks God after his wins. He does not preach openly but lives by his beliefs.
He has faced racism and hardship in his life. But he uses his platform to spread positivity. He believes in redemption and second chances. His faith gives him strength to overcome his troubled past.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Hometown Pride | Houston, Texas |
Derrick Lewis Future Plans and Goals
Derrick Lewis is still active in the UFC as of 2026. He is currently 41 years old. He plans to fight two more years before retiring. He wants one final run at the heavyweight title. He believes he still has the power to knock out anyone.
After fighting, he wants to open a gym in Houston. He wants to train underprivileged youth. He hopes to keep kids away from the streets. He will also focus on his family full-time.
He has expressed interest in acting or commentary work. He could easily join a broadcast team. His funny personality would be a great fit. For now, his plan is to keep fighting and enjoying his life.
| Future Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Fighting Career | 2 more years (retire around 43) |
| Final Goal | One more title shot |
| Business Plan | Open a gym in Houston |
| Post-Retirement | Family, coaching, possible media role |
| Charity Work | Expand youth outreach programs |
Derrick Lewis Awards and Achievements
Derrick Lewis holds the most knockouts in UFC history. He has 16 total KO victories. He is also the Legacy FC Heavyweight Champion (2013). He has Performance of the Night bonuses multiple times.
He once won Fight of the Night for his war with Ilir Latifi. He was a UFC Heavyweight Title challenger in 2018. He is ranked #9 in the official UFC heavyweight rankings (2026).
His victory over Francis Ngannou is one of the biggest upsets in MMA history. He has defeated Curtis Blaydes, Alexander Volkov, and Junior Dos Santos. His achievements go beyond trophies; he is a fan icon and a community hero.
| Award / Achievement | Year / Count |
|---|---|
| UFC KO Record | 16 (First all-time) |
| Legacy FC Champ | 2013 |
| Performance of the Night | Multiple |
| Fight of the Night | 1 |
| Ranked #9 HW | 2026 |
Derrick Lewis Business Ventures
Derrick Lewis does not have a wide business portfolio yet. His main business is his MMA fighting career. He earns his living inside the octagon. He has endorsement deals with Monster Energy and Harley-Davidson.
He has dabbled in real estate in the Houston area. He owns his own home and a few rental properties. He also sells his own merchandise online. T-shirts with “The Black Beast” logo are popular.
He plans to open a gym after retiring. That would be his main post-fight business. He will likely start a YouTube channel for fight analysis. For now, he focuses on fighting and being a dad.
| Business / Venture | Role / Ownership |
|---|---|
| Real Estate | Owner (Houston properties) |
| Merchandise | Owner of “The Black Beast” brand |
| Monster Energy | Endorsement deal |
| Future Gym | Planned ownership |
Derrick Lewis Fashion and Brand
Derrick Lewis has a very unique fashion sense. He often wears hoodies, sneakers, and chains. He is not a flashy dresser like other fighters. He prefers comfort over style. His signature look is a plain black t-shirt and shorts.
His brand is authenticity and realness. He never tries to be someone he is not. His catchphrase “My balls was hot” is legendary. It came from a post-fight interview about his shorts. That moment became a viral meme.
He represents hard work and perseverance. He is a man who went from prison to the main event. His brand is about never giving up. He sells this message through his actions, not just his clothes.
| Fashion Item | Signature |
|---|---|
| Fight Gear | Black shorts, plain shirt |
| Casual Wear | Hoodies, sneakers |
| Brand Slogan | “The Black Beast” |
| Viral Quote | “My balls was hot” |
Derrick Lewis Public Image
Derrick Lewis is one of the most beloved fighters in the UFC. He is seen as funny, real, and dangerous. Fans love his unscripted interviews. He always speaks his mind without a filter.
He is also viewed as a gentle giant outside the cage. He saved people during a hurricane without hesitation. He volunteers at youth centers in Houston. His public image is that of a hero who overcame a dark past.
Critics say he sometimes gives up in fights. But his knockout record speaks for itself. He is respected by all his peers. His image is one of a street fighter with a heart of gold. He will be remembered as an icon.
| Public Perception | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Authenticity | 10 |
| Fun Factor | 10 |
| Power | 9 |
| Controversy Level | 2 |
| Fan Respect | 9 |
Derrick Lewis Category Section
Derrick Lewis is an athlete (UFC Heavyweight Fighter). According to the category rule, he falls under Athlete / Player. Therefore, we present his career stats and achievements in a structured table.
Derrick Lewis Career Stats / Achievements
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total MMA Fights | 43 |
| Wins | 29 |
| Losses | 13 |
| No Contests | 1 |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 24 |
| Wins by Submission | 1 |
| Wins by Decision | 4 |
| UFC Wins | 20 |
| UFC Knockouts | 16 (All-time record) |
| UFC Title Shots | 1 (Interim) |
| UFC Ranking (2026) | #9 Heavyweight |
| Significant Strikes Landed per Min | 2.48 |
| Takedown Defense | 53% |
Derrick Lewis Fights List (Selected 20)
Here are 20 key fights from Derrick Lewis’s career (in bullet points):
- Derrick Lewis vs. Jack May – UFC debut win (2014)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Matt Mitrione – First main event (2014)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Shawn Jordan – KO win (2015)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Viktor Pešta – Comeback KO (2015)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Damian Grabowski – KO victory (2015)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Gabriel Gonzaga – Huge KO (2016)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Roy Nelson – Decision win (2016)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Travis Browne – Brutal KO (2017)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Mark Hunt – Controversial win (2017)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Francis Ngannou – Decision win (2018)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Daniel Cormier – Title loss (UFC 230, 2018)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Alexander Volkov – Last-second KO (2018)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Junior Dos Santos – TKO win (2019)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Ilir Latifi – Fight of the Night (2020)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Curtis Blaydes – KO win (2020)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Aleksei Oleinik – TKO win (2020)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Chris Daukaus – KO win (2021)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Serghei Spivac – Submission loss (2023)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento – TKO win (2024)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta – TKO loss (UFC 324, 2026)
Derrick Lewis Hobbies
- Eating fried chicken (Popeyes is his favorite)
- Watching action movies at home
- Spending time with his three children
- Playing video games like Call of Duty
- Driving his lifted truck around Houston
- Listening to rap music and hip-hop
- Watching football (Houston Texans fan)
- Grilling steaks and BBQ for his family
- Playing with his pet dogs
- Helping local youth stay out of trouble
Derrick Lewis Favorite Things
- Food: Popeyes fried chicken, BBQ ribs
- Color: Black and Red
- Movie: “Friday” (1995)
- Fighter: Mike Tyson
- Music: Hip-hop (Lil Wayne, Drake)
- Holiday Destination: Miami, Florida
- Animal: Dogs (pit bulls)
- Drink: Coca-Cola
- Car: Lifted Chevrolet Silverado
- Hobby: Watching football
Derrick Lewis Interesting Facts
- Derrick Lewis once fought with a torn groin muscle and still won.
- He dropped his pants in the octagon after a win as a joke.
- His famous quote “My balls was hot” became a viral internet meme.
- He saved over 100 people during Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
- Lewis holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- He was homeless for a short period after getting out of prison.
- He knocked out Alexander Volkov with only 11 seconds left in a losing fight.
- He once pooped in his pants during a fight due to food poisoning.
- Lewis is the only man besides Stipe Miocic to beat Francis Ngannou in the UFC.
- He received a phone call from President Trump after a knockout win.
FAQs
1. What is Derrick Lewis’s real name?
His real name is Derrick James Lewis. He is known as Derrick Lewis.
2. How old is Derrick Lewis in 2026?
He is 41 years old. He was born on February 7, 1985.
3. How tall is Derrick Lewis?
His height is 6 ft 3 in (191 cm). He is a very big heavyweight.
4. What is Derrick Lewis’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at $1.5 million as of 2026.
5. Is Derrick Lewis married?
Yes, he is married to April Davis. They tied the knot in 2017.
6. How many knockouts does Derrick Lewis have in the UFC?
He has 16 knockouts. That is the most in UFC history.
7. Did Derrick Lewis go to prison?
Yes, he served three years in prison for aggravated assault as a young man.
Conclusion
Derrick Lewis, whose real name is Derrick James Lewis, is a UFC legend. His stage name is “The Black Beast.” At 41 years old, he still fights with fury. He was born February 7, 1985 in New Orleans, Louisiana. His height is 6 ft 3 in and his weight is 264 lb. His career started in 2010 after a prison sentence.
He holds the record for most knockouts in UFC history with 16. His famous fights are his true “albums.” He fights for the UFC, which is his “record label.” His estimated net worth is $1.5 million. He is a husband, father, and community hero.
Derrick Lewis saved 100 people during Hurricane Harvey. He went from prison to the main event. He will retire as one of the most beloved heavyweights ever. His power and personality made him a superstar. He is the true people’s champion.
