Derrick Lewis and 4 other UFC fighters who have never won on home soil
For UFC fighters, competing on home soil can be euphoric. Mixed martial artists, boxers, kickboxers, and all other combat sports athletes experience a level of support when performing in front of their hometown crowds that will never be matched by any other audience.
At UFC Fight Night 208 in London, Paddy Pimblett was welcomed into the octagon with a chorus of adoration from his fellow countrymen. Yet, home support burrows deeper than simply fighting in one's home country. Fighting in one's home city or state is a different beast altogether.
When Darren Till clashed with Stephen Thompson in Liverpool, he managed—through a herculean effort—to outstrike one of the few fighters who once made a strong case to be considered the best striker in MMA. Sadly, this is not the case for all fighters.
For every fighter who overperforms in their hometown, there is one who crumbles under pressure when expectations are highest. Sometimes, the fear of disappointing one's hometown supporters is enough to freeze even the greatest of fighters. Thus, this list takes a look at Derrick Lewis and 4 other fighters who have never tasted victory in their hometowns.
#5. Shawn Jordan
Former UFC heavyweight Shawn Jordan is a curious case in the context of this list. Not only has the Texas native failed to win every bout he's had on home soil, but he is also directly responsible for Derrick Lewis' lack of wins in his own hometown.
A native of El Paso, Texas, 'The Savage' has twice fought in his home state, with both matchups taking place in Houston. The first loss came against Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 166. As Jordan lunged forward with an overzealous combination, Gonzaga retreated, earning himself enough time and space to crack Jordan's chin with a counter-right hook as the Texas native came forward.
Gabriel Gonzaga first round KO VS Shawn Jordan! #ufc166 @ufc http://t.co/6zZEFUrFVY
Gonzaga's counter knocked Jordan off his feet. Rocked and grounded, he was quickly dispatched by the Brazilian's follow-up punches. It was a thunderous first round knockout loss. Two years later, 'The Savage' earned his chance at redemption. At UFC 192, he returned to Houston in what was ultimately his final UFC fight.
Jordan faced Ruslan Magomedov. While he managed to avoid another knockout loss on home soil, his efforts were still in vain as he lost by unanimous decision. The UFC chose not to renew his contract, and Jordan went on to ply his trade in the WSOF (now the PFL).