Derrick Lewis built his name with raw knockout power, an unshakable personality, and one of the most entertaining fighting styles in UFC history. Fans love him because he always brings intensity, humor, and unpredictability.
His journey from a troubled childhood to becoming one of the UFC’s most feared knockout artists inspires countless MMA followers.
Let’s dive deep into Derrick Lewis’s net worth, biography, last 5 matches stats, career overview, fight purses, endorsements, spouse, and achievements of “The Black Beast.”
Last 5 Matches
| Date | Opponent | Result | Decision | Rnd | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 27, 2024 | Rodrigo Nascimento | Win | KO/TKO | 1 | 0:49 | UFC 304 |
| Feb 17, 2024 | Marcos Rogério de Lima | Win | KO/TKO | 1 | 0:33 | UFC 298 |
| Nov 4, 2023 | Jailton Almeida | Loss | Decision | 5 | 25:00 | UFC Fight Night |
| Aug 29, 2023 | Marcos Rogério de Lima | Win | KO/TKO | 1 | 0:33 | UFC 291 |
| Feb 4, 2023 | Serghei Spivac | Loss | Submission | 1 | 3:05 | UFC Fight Night |
Derrick Lewis’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Derrick James Lewis |
| Nickname | The Black Beast |
| Birth Date | February 7, 1985 |
| Birthplace | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Weight | 265 lbs (120 kg) |
| College | Kilgore College |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | American |
| Turned Professional | 2010 |
| Salary | Estimated $600,000–$800,000 annually (fight-related) |
| Current Net Worth | Approx. $5 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Spouse | April Davis |
| Children | Yes (3 children) |
| Car Collection | Dodge Charger Hellcat, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford F-150 |
| Bike Collection | Limited public information |
| Top Brand Uses | UFC gear, Venum apparel |
| Hobby | Cars, traveling, fitness training |
| Twitter Profile | @thebeastufc |
He grew up in a difficult environment shaped by financial struggles and limited opportunities. After Hurricane Katrina devastated his hometown, Lewis moved to Houston, Texas, where he slowly rebuilt his life.
Raised mostly by his mother, he learned discipline early. Even though he struggled with challenges during his teenage years, he eventually found purpose in sports first in football, then in boxing, and finally in mixed martial arts.
Early Career
Derrick Lewis started his combat sports journey through boxing before shifting toward mixed martial arts. After training at various Houston gyms, he realized he had natural knockout power and solid athletic ability.
Although he began MMA late compared to many fighters, he quickly made up for it with discipline and raw force.
He fought in smaller promotions like Legacy FC, where he earned several knockouts and captured the Legacy FC Heavyweight Championship. His power earned him attention, and by 2014, he signed with the UFC.
Professional Career
Lewis entered the UFC in 2014 and instantly captured attention with a knockout win over Jack May. Over the next few years, he climbed the rankings with impressive wins over fighters like Roy Nelson, Travis Browne, and Marcin Tybura.
His biggest breakthrough came in 2018 when he knocked out Alexander Volkov at UFC 229 with just seconds left. That win earned him a title shot against Daniel Cormier, but Lewis fell short and lost via submission.
Over time, he became the UFC’s all-time leader in heavyweight knockouts. His personality made him even more popular.
Wife
Derrick Lewis is married to April Davis, and their relationship has remained strong for many years. They share 3 children, and Lewis often credits his family for keeping him grounded.
Derrick Lewis’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Derrick Lewis has an estimated net worth is $5 million. His income comes from UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, sponsorships, and appearances.
His long-term presence in the heavyweight division, plus his massive fan base, helped him earn strong payouts throughout his career.
Contract
Derrick Lewis fights under a standard multi-fight UFC contract. He earns between $300,000 to $500,000 per fight, excluding bonuses. Pay-per-view share opportunities and main-event slots often increase his total payout.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Base Payout | Bonus/PPV | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 304 | Rodrigo Nascimento | $350,000 | $50,000 bonus | $400,000 |
| UFC 291 | Marcos Rogério de Lima | $300,000 | $50,000 bonus | $350,000 |
| UFC Fight Night | Jailton Almeida | $350,000 | — | $350,000 |
| UFC 271 | Tai Tuivasa | $350,000 | — | $350,000 |
| UFC 265 | Ciryl Gane | $500,000 | PPV share | $700,000+ |
Endorsements
- Venum
- Monster Energy
- Crypto.com (event-based promotions)
Career Records
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Rnd | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 4, 2018 | Alexander Volkov | Win | KO | 3 | 4:49 | UFC 229 |
| Feb 8, 2020 | Ilir Latifi | Win | Decision | 3 | 15:00 | UFC 247 |
| Jun 20, 2020 | Aleksei Oleinik | Win | TKO | 2 | 1:50 | UFC Fight Night |
| Aug 7, 2021 | Ciryl Gane | Loss | TKO | 3 | 4:11 | UFC 265 |
| Feb 12, 2022 | Tai Tuivasa | Loss | KO | 2 | 1:40 | UFC 27 |
FAQs
Why is Derrick Lewis called “The Black Beast”?
The nickname reflects his intense power and intimidating fighting style. Fans began calling him “The Black Beast” early in his career, and Lewis embraced it fully. The name became part of his identity and added to his entertaining persona.
How many knockouts does Derrick Lewis have?
Lewis holds one of the highest knockout totals in UFC heavyweight history. His explosive power allows him to end fights quickly, making him a highlight machine.
What is Derrick Lewis’s fighting style?
He fights with a striking-heavy, power-first style. He relies on explosive punches, strong counterattacks, and well-timed bursts. Although he has improved his grappling defense, striking remains his primary weapon.
Has Derrick Lewis ever fought for the title?
Yes, he fought Daniel Cormier for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2018. Although he lost, reaching a title fight placed him among the top heavyweights in the world.
How did Derrick Lewis get into MMA?
Lewis began boxing first, but after encouragement from coaches, he transitioned to mixed martial arts. While living in Houston, he discovered a passion for MMA and started training more seriously.
What hardships did Derrick Lewis face growing up?
He grew up in a rough neighborhood with limited opportunities. His teenage years involved several challenges, including legal troubles and financial struggles. After moving to Houston following Hurricane Katrina, he rebuilt his life from scratch.
What is Derrick Lewis’s strongest weapon?
His strongest asset remains his knockout power. A single punch from Lewis can change a fight instantly. His ability to remain calm and explode at the perfect moment surprises many opponents.
Does Derrick Lewis have a family?
Yes, he is married to April Davis, and they share three children. He often credits his family for grounding him emotionally.
How much money has Derrick Lewis earned in the UFC?
Over the years, Lewis has earned millions in fight purses, bonuses, and pay-per-view shares. His headline fights and knockout wins boosted his overall income. Estimated career earnings exceed $7–8 million.
Is Derrick Lewis still active in 2025?
Yes, he remains active and continues fighting in the UFC heavyweight division. His punches still carry devastating force, making him dangerous for any opponent. Fans appreciate that he always pushes forward with confidence.
