Derrick James Lewis, famously known as “The Black Beast,” is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC Heavyweight division. Known for his knockout power and entertaining personality, Derrick has built a legendary career and a substantial fan base.
Derrick Lewis’ Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Derrick James Lewis |
| Nickname | The Black Beast |
| Born | February 7, 1985 |
| Age | 40 years old |
| College | Kilgore College (attended on football scholarship) |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (190 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2010 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $3 million |
| Salary (per fight) | Around $300,000 to $350,000 |
| Spouse | April Davis |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @dozerlewis |
Early Career
Derrick Lewis grew up in New Orleans as the second oldest of seven siblings raised by a single mother. After moving to Houston, Texas, at age 13, Lewis got into street fighting and later started boxing at 17. He briefly attended Kilgore College on a football scholarship but experienced legal troubles resulting in a prison sentence of three and a half years.
Upon release, he was introduced to MMA by a friend and began training seriously, balancing boxing under George Foreman and working as a tow-truck driver before turning professional in 2010.
Professional Career
Derrick Lewis began his MMA career in 2010, quickly making a name for himself in regional promotions. He was the Heavyweight Champion in Legacy FC and fought in Bellator before signing with the UFC in 2014. Known for his ferocious knockout power, Lewis set records in the UFC for most finishes and knockouts in the heavyweight division.
Despite facing setbacks with losses to top fighters, he earned multiple Fight Night bonuses and Performance of the Night awards. His fighting style is focused on explosive stand-up power, earning him the nickname “The Black Beast.” He fought for the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 230 but lost to Daniel Cormier. Still, he remains a top contender and one of the most exciting heavyweights to watch.
Married
Derrick Lewis married his longtime girlfriend April Davis in a private ceremony in Honolulu in 2017. They have three children together—two sons and one daughter. Derrick keeps his family life private, aiming to shield them from the public eye despite his fame. April Davis has been a steadfast supporter and partner through his career ups and downs.
Derrick Lewis’ Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Derrick Lewis’s net worth is estimated around $3 million. Most of his income comes from fight purses, UFC contracts, performance bonuses, sponsorships, and endorsements. He is known for being financially savvy, prioritizing saving and investing. Alongside his income from fighting, deals like a sponsorship with Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen have added to his earnings.
Fight Purses
| Event/Fight | Guaranteed Purse | Win Bonus | Additional Bonuses/Sponsorships | Approximate Total Earnings |
| UFC 291 vs. Marcos de Lima | $275,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 (Performance+Sponsor) | $425,000 |
| UFC Fight Night vs. Curtis Blaydes | $370,000 | $50,000 | Sponsor bonuses | ~$420,000 |
| UFC 230 vs. Daniel Cormier | $350,000 | N/A | PPV points, sponsorships | Over $500,000 |
| UFC Fight Night St. Louis | $300,000 | N/A | ~$170,000 (bonuses/sponsors) | ~$470,000 |
Endorsements
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (free food for life deal linked to performance)
- Various smaller sponsorships related to MMA and athletic gear
- Sponsorship deals commonly add $10,000-$20,000 per fight on top of UFC pay
- Endorsement earnings are an important supplement to fight income
Career Records
| Opponent | Outcome | Event | Notable Detail |
| Daniel Cormier | Loss (Submission) | UFC 230 | Title fight, heavy favorite opponent |
| Francis Ngannou | Win (KO) | UFC 226 | Came back from setbacks to win |
| Junior dos Santos | Loss (TKO) | UFC Fight Night | High-level knockout loss |
| Ciryl Gane | Loss (TKO) | UFC Interim Title | Elite striking loss |
| Alexander Volkov | Win (KO) | UFC 229 | KO at high-profile event |
| Gabriel Gonzaga | Win (KO) | UFC Fight Night | KO in first round |
| Jack May | Win (KO) | UFC Debut | Announcement KO to UFC fans |
FAQs
1. What is Derrick Lewis’s full name and age?
Derrick Lewis’s full name is Derrick James Lewis. He was born on February 7, 1985, making him 40 years old as of 2025.
2. What division does Derrick Lewis compete in?
Derrick Lewis competes in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
3. What is Derrick Lewis’s fighting style?
Derrick Lewis is primarily a brawler who prefers stand-up fighting. He uses aggressive, powerful punches and kicks, often looking for knockout opportunities rather than a defensive style.
4. What is Derrick Lewis’s nickname and its origin?
Derrick Lewis is nicknamed “The Black Beast,” a moniker given to him by fans after his MMA debut in 2010 following a knockout victory. The nickname reflects his fierce fighting style and personality in the octagon.
5. What UFC records does Derrick Lewis hold?
Derrick Lewis holds the UFC records for most finishes in the Heavyweight division, most knockouts in UFC history (16), and most knockouts stemming from ground strikes in UFC history.
6. Who is Derrick Lewis married to?
Derrick Lewis is married to April Davis. They tied the knot in 2017 and have a family together, including two sons and a daughter.
7. What is Derrick Lewis’s reach and height?
Derrick Lewis is 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) tall and has a reach of 79 inches (200.66 cm).
8. How many professional MMA fights has Derrick Lewis won and lost?
Derrick Lewis has won 29 professional MMA fights and lost 12, with one no-contest as of 2025.
9. What are some notable fights in Derrick Lewis’s career?
Notable fights include his title challenge against Ciryl Gane at UFC 265, which he lost by TKO, and knockout wins over fighters like Chris Daukaus and Alexander Volkov.
10. What are Derrick Lewis’s training and background?
Derrick Lewis started training boxing at age 17, later transitioned into MMA, training under the tutelage of George Foreman. He has a background of street fighting growing up and overcame legal challenges before pursuing MMA professionally. He is known for his resilience and knockout power.