UFC heavyweight elite Derrick Lewis is gearing up to face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 265. This development took place after UFC sidelined reigning heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, after a fallout over his availability.

‘The Black Beast’ is a formidable striker. His striking game is impeccable and he also jointly holds the record for the most KO/TKO finishes in UFC. But unlike his punch throwing abilities at the octagon, his throwing abilities outside of it still need a bit of work.

Recently, the baseball team, Houston Astros, invited him to throw the ceremonial first pitch in a game. Lewis gleefully accepted the challenge and went for it. Little did he know he would face a bit of embarrassment. His throw didn’t go as he would have liked, and it was visible on his face.

The video then went viral and made rounds over the internet. And finally, Lewis had to face the music during the last month’s UFC 264 event. When asked about his experience, ‘The Black Beast’ had the most hilarious excuse that is only expected from him.

“Throwing out the first pitch was everything I’ve dreamed of,” Lewis said. “What happened was Mosquitos are bad in Houston, so a mosquito bit me on my wrist at the same time I was throwing the ball. Those things bite hard.”

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Keeping the excuse aside, being invited for the ceremonial pitch is a grand experience. It shows how Lewis’ popularity has grown in recent years. We can only expect it to grow even further.

The recent run of form for Derrick Lewis

Lewis (25-7) will enter his battle against the Frenchman Gane on the back of some sublime performances. He is currently on a 4 fight win streak. Since his devastating loss to Junior dos Santos at UFC Fight Night 146, he has just improved himself fight after fight.

He fought and got the better of the Bulgarian Blagoy Ivanov at UFC 244 via split decision. His next fight against Latifi at UFC 247 earned him a unanimous decision win. While both these fights tested his temperament and patience, his next two wins were nothing short of brutal.

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He first dismissed Russian-Ukrainian Alexey Oleynik via TKO at UFC Fight Night 174. ‘The Black Beast’ then put a dangerous-looking Curtis Blaydes out via knockout at UFC Fight Night 185.

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Come this August 07th, he will feel he has a splendid chance of capturing the gold. But he will be also wary of the threat possessed by still an undefeated and unconquered Ciryl Gane. Who do you see prevailing in the end?