The UFC’s return to Edmonton has hit an unexpected snag. Fight fans in Alberta had been buzzing about the heavyweight showdown on the main card. Derrick Lewis and Jhonata Diniz were to duke it out for the fans. But tragedy struck as Lewis, known for his devastating knockout power, withdrew just two days before the fight. The entire fight has now been scrapped.
The first signs of trouble emerged when Lewis was notably absent from the ceremonial weigh-ins. Initially, UFC officials attempted to calm concerns by assuring fans that the fight would proceed as planned. However, the situation took a turn when the promotion announced Lewis’s withdrawal due to an undisclosed medical issue. Veteran MMA journalist Aaron Bronsteter broke the news, confirming that the medical concern wasn’t related to weight cutting – a common culprit in last-minute fight cancellations.
The timing couldn’t be more frustrating for Canadian fight fans. Edmonton’s Rogers Place was set to host a stacked card. The Lewis-Diniz bout represented a classic striker versus grappler matchup. Diniz, a rising heavyweight prospect with impressive credentials in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, was looking to make a statement against the established knockout artist. Now, the event will proceed with 13 bouts instead of the original 14, leaving a noticeable void in the main card lineup.
This isn’t the first time Lewis has faced medical issues before a fight. The heavyweight division’s beloved ‘Black Beast‘ has had his share of back problems throughout his career. Nevertheless, he has maintained his position as one of the most reliable fighters on the roster, consistently stepping up for short-notice fights when needed.
Derrick Lewis Wants To Fight “Piece Of Shit” Daniel Cormier
The world of UFC heavyweights never lacks drama, especially when Lewis enters the conversation. ‘The Black Beast’ has built his reputation on both devastating knockouts and memorable one-liners. His recent outburst about Daniel Cormier, however, has raised eyebrows across the MMA community.
The history between these two fighters dates back to 2018 when Cormier submitted Lewis in a heavyweight title bout. During the UFC Edmonton media day, Derrick Lewis dropped a verbal bomb. He unexpectedly targeted the retired Hall of Famer Cormier.
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“I don’t know, man. Do people really like DC like that? Come on, man, that guy, I told DC in his face, that guy is a piece of sh*t. He’s a piece of sh*t scumbag, F*ck DC. He knows why, and everyone knows why, too: He disrespected Popeyes chicken. But other than that, he’s a piece of sh*t.”
Daniel Cormier hasn’t shied away from critiquing Derrick Lewis’s performances, particularly suggesting that his time at the top might be finished. This commentary seemed to have struck a nerve with the knockout artist, though it’s sometimes hard to tell when Lewis is being serious or just stirring the pot for entertainment.
Also Read: UFC Edmonton: Date, Venue, Start Time, Channel And Live Streaming Details
