12-Mar-21
This podcast features Joe Rogan in conversation with UFC Heavyweight Derrick Lewis, offering insights into Lewis’s fighting style, personal life, and perspectives on the world of mixed martial arts. Controversial topics include his thoughts on social media, the justice system, and the UFC’s handling of fighters. Underlying themes explore the complexities of success, the importance of resilience, and the impact of family dynamics on personal journeys.
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Derrick Lewis’s Explosive Knockout Power:
- Lewis is renowned for his devastating knockout power, holding the record for the most knockouts in UFC heavyweight history.
- He attributes his power to genetics, his upbringing, and the sheer force of his anger.
- He often finishes fights in the last few seconds, showcasing his incredible endurance and conditioning.
- Lewis’s power is both a blessing and a curse, as opponents often try to avoid striking exchanges with him, opting for takedowns.
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Lewis’s Time in Prison:
- Lewis spent three and a half years in prison for a probation violation stemming from a prior assault charge.
- He feels the justice system failed him, lacking proper rehabilitation programs and resources.
- This experience instilled in him a strong sense of resilience and determination.
- He uses his story to inspire others who have faced similar challenges, demonstrating that success is possible despite adversity.
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The Role of Family in Lewis’s Life:
- Lewis’s family members have been both supportive and a source of strain in his life.
- He has struggled with the constant requests for financial assistance, often feeling burdened by their expectations.
- He sees his children as a second chance to show love and provide a better upbringing than he received.
- His children’s experiences with social media and the pressure to conform highlight the challenges faced by a new generation.
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Lewis’s Perspective on Social Media:
- Lewis is known for his wild Instagram posts, featuring footage of people getting injured or behaving recklessly.
- He believes social media has a negative impact on young people, fostering unrealistic comparisons and creating a culture of validation-seeking.
- He uses his platform to show the real world, unfiltered and often chaotic, contrasting with the curated image presented by others.
- He is comfortable with the attention he receives and embraces the authenticity of his online presence.
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The UFC’s Heavyweight Division and Lewis’s Future:
- Lewis is currently ranked number two in the UFC heavyweight division, with a clear path to a title shot.
- He has expressed interest in a rematch against Francis Ngannou, whom he defeated in 2019.
- He is also aware of John Jones’s potential move to heavyweight, potentially creating a dream matchup.
- Lewis aims to stay active and fight as often as possible, recognizing the limited window of opportunity in his career.
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Lewis’s Thoughts on Fighting Styles:
- He believes that a wrestler’s best chance of success against him is to keep him close, clinching and avoiding power strikes.
- He has learned to manage his adrenaline and endurance, conserving energy and timing his attacks strategically.
- He enjoys watching the diverse fighting styles in the UFC, appreciating the skill and strategy involved.
- He prefers finishing fights with knockouts, rather than relying on decision wins.
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The Future of Mixed Martial Arts:
- Lewis believes that the emergence of new promotions, like Bellator and PFL, has increased competition and bargaining power for fighters.
- He is hopeful that this will lead to better compensation for athletes and greater overall growth of the sport.
- He acknowledges the rise of bare knuckle boxing as a new alternative, but finds the style too brutal for his personal taste.
- He is excited about the future of the sport, particularly the heavyweight division, which continues to evolve with new talent.
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The American Dream:
- Lewis’s journey exemplifies the American Dream, rising from a difficult past to achieve extraordinary success.
- He embraces the opportunities and challenges that come with his newfound fame and fortune.
- He uses his platform to inspire others and demonstrate that success is achievable, even for those who have been counted out.
- He acknowledges the irony of his success, understanding that the struggles he faced contributed to his resilience and drive.
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The Value of Personality in Fighting:
- Lewis recognizes that personality plays a significant role in drawing fans and generating interest in fighters.
- He acknowledges that fighters like Conor McGregor and Colby Covington are masters of the trash-talking game, often using it to gain an advantage.
- He has a sense of humor about the UFC’s attempts to control his online image, embracing his unconventional personality.
- He believes that authenticity and realness are more important than trying to conform to societal expectations.
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The Importance of Mental Strength:
- Lewis attributes his mental strength to overcoming adversity and the tough situations he has faced in life.
- He finds that fighting in the octagon is less daunting than the challenges he has already overcome.
- He believes that mental resilience is a key factor in success, enabling him to stay calm under pressure.
- He has not sought the guidance of a mental coach, finding his own internal strength to be sufficient.
Memorable Quotes:
- “I go into every fight like life of death, and I go, I enter a deep dark place every time I step inside the octagon.” – Lewis emphasizes the intensity and seriousness with which he approaches every fight, highlighting the mental commitment he undertakes.
- “My main goal is to be rich like you. People question, but the best way to be rich is to be the champ.” – Lewis humorously acknowledges the financial rewards of being a champion, expressing his desire for financial security.
- “I’m already daydreaming about, okay, if I was in that situation, this is what I would do.” – Lewis reveals the mental preparation he undergoes while watching other fights, highlighting the intense analytical and strategic thinking involved.
- “I’m fighting with myself the whole time. All right, don’t do this. Don’t do this, okay. You get through this punch, but how do you feel after you do this punch?” – Lewis describes his internal dialogue during fights, emphasizing the constant monitoring and adjustments he makes to conserve energy and maximize performance.
- “It’s like, hey, if I made it, you know, how some people like pray to God and say, man, if I ever get out of this situation right here, then I ain’t gonna never do that anymore.” – Lewis draws a parallel between his journey and the power of prayer, highlighting the profound impact of adversity on shaping one’s perspective and resolve.