Derrick Lewis vows knockout at UFC White House for Trump
Derrick Lewis plans to knock out Josh Hokit at UFC White House this weekend, and his motivation goes beyond the usual pre-fight buildup.
The heavyweight takes on Hokit in an undercard bout added at the request of President Donald Trump, a longtime Lewis fan, according to MMA Fighting. Lewis said he intends to deliver a performance worthy of the occasion. "I don't want to make the President look bad," he told reporters. "I want to go out there and perform. Show everybody the reason why I'm one of his favorite fighters."
Lewis dismisses Hokit antics ahead of White House card
Hokit made waves with outbursts at the UFC White House press conference, but Lewis said the theatrics roll off his back. "I really don't care," he said, per the report. "I believe that guys do stuff like that just because it ain't nothing else we can go after. Because he don't know me and I don't know him." The 16-time knockout artist added that fighters often scramble for talking points when they lack real animosity.
Lewis is coming off a January loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324, a performance he blamed on a back injury that has since healed. He believes Hokit cannot handle his power. "He gets hit a lot," Lewis said. "I believe he can't really take the type of stuff that I'm willing to give out."
One tradition will be shelved for the White House setting. Lewis, known for removing his shorts after victories, said he will keep his pants on out of respect for the venue — though he joked he might toss his protective cup into the crowd instead. The bout airs as part of the UFC White House card this weekend.
Original reporting:
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