Derrick Lewis opens up on revamped physique, wants to celebrate birthday with a win over Sergey Spivak
Former heavyweight title challenger Derrick Lewis has been having a bit of a rough spell lately. In 2022, 'The Black Beast' was on the receiving end of two back-to-back KO defeats.
This has prompted the 37-year-old to make certain adjustments going forward. For his upcoming headliner at UFC Vegas 68 against Sergey Spivak, the American has shed a considerable amount of weight.
Derrick Lewis looks like he’s ready for welterweight 😤 https://t.co/vf9YB2ygIM
In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, the heavyweight fighter opened up about his revamped physique:
"I always wanted to be one of them guys like running... marathons, but I'm finally getting there. So I'm feeling like one... [Running a marathon is not easy] I know, I know, but I feel like I can do it."
With his birthday coming up on February 7, 'The Black Beast' aims to celebrate it with a win over Spivak. He also revealed that he hopes to go through 2023 undefeated:
"Yes, I have a birthday coming on Tuesday... I'm planning to do some kind of celebration. So with a win would be awesome... I'm planning on going undefeated this year."
Catch Derrick Lewis' comments below:
Derrick Lewis is 26-10 (1 no-contest) as a mixed martial artist. His last win came in a first-round KO over Chris Daukaus at UFC Fight Night 199 in 2021. He is currently on a two-fight skid.
Sergey Spivak holds a pro record of 15-3. The Moldovan is currently on a two-fight win streak and has been undefeated since 2022. His most recent win came via a second-round TKO against Augusto Sakai at UFC on ESPN 40.
Derrick Lewis' new look doesn't concern Sergey Spivak
Although his recent physical transformation seems to have granted Derrick Lewis a burst of confidence, his opponent Sergey Spivak is unfazed by it.
During the media day for UFC Vegas 68, 'The Polar Bear' stated that he doesn't care what shape 'The Black Beast' is in.
Spivak revealed that he was confident triumphing over Lewis come Saturday and added that his own shape and fight readiness was all that he was concerned about:
"I don't think about what shape he is in. I think about what shape I'm in. I'm prepared. I think about what kind of work I'm going to do. On Saturday night, I'm going to come out, I'm going to take my victory."
Catch Sergey Spivak's comments below: