Derrick Lewis is a force of nature moving up the ranks of the UFC heavyweight division.

The Houston native has risen to the brink of contender status on the strength of his brick-heavy hands and relentless aggression inside the Octagon. Outside the cage, Lewis is nothing short of a social media star as his Twitter account has become a must follow for anyone lingering in and around the MMA bubble.

Lewis has also put together one of the strongest heavyweight runs in recent memory by winning six consecutive bouts, with all but one coming by way of finish. And while his recent knockout victory over Travis Browne at UFC Fight Night 105 back in February didn't launch him into a title opportunity, it did put him in position to land the biggest fight of his career to date.

"The Black Beast" will square off with renowned slugger Mark Hunt in the main event of UFC Fight 110 on "The Super Samoan's" native soil of New Zealand. Yet, while a victory over Hunt would certainly make Lewis' case for a title shot stronger than ever, championship gold isn't what motivates the surging heavyweight.

It's green and green only, and Lewis discussed this topic and many more with Aaron Bronsteter of TSN Sports.


Feb 19, 2017; Halifax, NS, Canada; Derrick Lewis (red gloves) reacts after defeating Travis Browne (not pictured) during UFC Fight Night at Scotiabank Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

"I don't care if I get a title shot or not," Lewis said. "I'm not doing it for the title. I'm doing it for the money. I don't care."

Should Lewis defeat Hunt on June 11, the difference between a bigger bottom lines rather than title opportunity would become blurred. Lewis is currently ranked fifth in the division, which leaves very little room to move if he's able to topple Hunt.

Nevertheless, Lewis has a few potential opponents in mind, even if he's not quite sure what their names are.

"I guess whoever has the belt, but other than that I think [Alistair] Overeem might be a good fight. Or that guy from France," Lewis said, referring to Francis Ngannou.

And while Lewis may be up to scrap the Frenchman, Ngannou has publicly stated his belief that Lewis lacks the skills to keep up with him inside the cage.

"That's fine. Everybody say that," Lewis said. "I'm too slow and don't have no technique. I have no gas tank and I'm easy to take down. Whatever.

"I got wins," he added.



When gauging himself against the rest of the divisional elite Lewis likes his chances. He not only possesses some of the best power in the heavyweight fold, but has an unorthodox style that has proven difficult to handle when the fight goes live.

Lewis is confident the skills he brings on fight night put him in a position to level any man he faces and will face under the UFC banner.

"We all have a puncher's chance," Lewis said of the elite tier heavyweights. "I believe I already fought the toughest guys in the division. Travis Browne was probably the toughest guy out there, and I knew going into our fight he was going to be one of the toughest opponents because of his reach and his heighth and his versatility.

"He moves around like a 185er or a 205er. He doesn't move around like a heavyweight. I knew it was going to be a dangerous fight for myself."

Having faced and toppled the fighter he deems the most dangerous in the division, Lewis is rolling into his scrap with Hunt with even more confidence than his last fight. With Hunt suffering a brutal knockout in his most recent outing against Overeem at UFC 209 back in March, going against another heavy hitter could be a big mistake.

That said, Lewis isn't concerned with any of that. He's simply ready to scrap.

"I don't know where [Hunt] is at mentally but it doesn't matter."