Derrick Lewis holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history and he plans to add another one at UFC 324 on Jan. 24.
The No. 8 ranked Lewis (29-12, 1 NC) faces No. 5 ranked Waldo Cortes-Acosta (16-2) on the UFC 324 main card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. He’s not sure how UFC matchmakers put the match together, but is glad to a fight booked.
“I was just happy to get a fight. I’ve been begging for a fight of the last few months, so I was happy to get a phone call,” Lewis told TNT Fight Sports. “It was anything. I didn’t care who. I don’t know how it went, but I’m happy that they got the job done.”
“The Black Beast” doesn’t think the fight is going to last very long. Both men pack punching power that can end a night at any moment.
“For sure. 100-percent (someone is getting knocked out). And I believe it’s going to be the first exchange. I’m going to knock him out in the first exchange,” Lewis predicted.
Lewis admittedly doesn’t watch a lot of fight footage on his opponents preparing for a fight. He hasn’t seen a single Cortes-Acosta bout, but expects the Dominican to be dangerous.
“I really don’t watch too many fights, so I don’t know if he’s been on my radar or not. I can’t even tell you because I really haven’t watched none of his fights,” said Lewis.
Related: Paddy Pimblett would love a war with Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, but doesn’t expect one
“I know he’s probably going to be a dangerous opponent. I believe all the guys in the UFC heavyweight division, they all dangerous especially in the heavyweight. Everyone got opportunity, but I believe that I can get the job done.”
UFC 324 is headlined by an interim lightweight title bout between former interim titleholder Justin Gaethje and No. 5 ranked Paddy Pimblett. The event will mark the first of the fight promotion’s deal with Paramount.
