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After Near-Death Experience Confession During Weight Cut, “Ripped” Derrick Lewis With Abs at UFC 291 Weigh-Ins Has Fans Going Wild Over Transformation

Published 07/29/2023, 7:41 AM EDT

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UFC fighters have often showcased some absolutely shocking body transformations. Starting from the famed UFC legend, BJ Penn, who competed in almost every weight class of the UFC, to Conor McGregor, looking visibly reduced during his Featherweight weigh-ins. Fans have often witnessed fighters turning almost unrecognizable after body transformations. Moreover, the weight-cut process prior to bouts also leaves them looking a lot leaner than usual.

But, this practice in the UFC has been criticized multiple times. Several fighters, including the noted Cris Cyborg, have gone through near-death experiences during insane weight cuts in order to meet the limit of their weight class. Recently, the popular UFC Heavyweight, Derrick Lewis, revealed he, too, had a similar experience while cutting weight for his bout against Sergey Spivac.

‘The Black Beast’ also looked noticeably leaner than his regular self during his recent UFC 291 weigh-ins. However, the fans presented varied opinions on his transformation when the visuals of his UFC 291 weigh-in went out on social media.

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Several fans were shocked and had good wishes for the transformed Derrick Lewis

It’s pertinent to note that Lewis had been trying to transform himself for quite some time now. Lewis’s friend and fellow UFC colleague, Terrence McKinney, showcased him going through running sessions via an ‘X’ post in February this year.

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But it wasn’t until his pre-UFC 291 press conference that Lewis revealed how his weight-cut process prior to his UFC Fight Night 218 bout took a grueling turn. He also stated how he almost “died” while cutting down to the weight limit.

‘The Black Beast’ said, “I cut like 25 pounds in three days, not eating, just drinking water—probably just a little something to eat. It was a big eye-opener and it was in the back of my head during the fight. I felt like I actually died.”

However, he looked unfazed by all those experiences as he promised fans to come up with a six-pack sometime soon. But a large chunk of fans already picked out that Lewis already looked a lot leaner than his usual self during his UFC 291 weigh-ins.

Derrick Lewis is in somewhat decent shape?!?!?!?!
by u/Hrytod in ufc

They also presented a number of positive opinions on the Reddit post showcasing Lewis during his UFC 291 weigh-ins. Some of them read:

  • One more KO so he’s the knockout king again. He’s tied with Matt Brown currently.
  • Somewhat decent shape? Dude is ripped!
  • Preparing to drop down to LHW — Daniel Cormier style.
  • He looks really healthy

But, even after being compared to the famed former UFC champ-champ, Daniel Cormier, there were some fans who presented contradicting opinions.

Another group of fans didn’t see any point in the transformation of Derrick Lewis

While there was hardly anyone denying the fact that Lewis did look visibly leaner and healthier, still, a collection of fans didn’t see why he was troubling himself to go for a transformation.

Watch this Story – Jorge Masvidal Wins the Race Against Mike Tyson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Triple H to Become Dwayne Johnson’s Successor at UFC 291 for the BMF Title

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Lewis has often exhausted his energy during his fights, subjecting him to losses. Most of these fans took a dig at this fact, mocking Lewis about his questionable gas tank. A few such comments read:

  • He will still gas out
  • It’s at elevation, he’s gonna gas on his walk in
  • Yeah and Utah’s climate will still have him gassed lol.
  • He’ll land the jumping switch kick this time

Which type of fans would you like to side with, the ones backing Lewis or the ones mocking him? Also, do you think he will keep his promise of showcasing a six-pack on fight night?

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Written by:

Souvik Roy

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Souvik Roy is an exceptional UFC writer with an impressive portfolio of over 500 articles at EssentiallySports. The young writer did not allow speech impairment to come in the way of his love for writing and covering fights. As a keen observer, Souvik's passion for MMA was sparked when he discovered the UFC after being introduced to WWE.
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Edited by:

Rupkamal Sarma