Derrick Lewis Hilariously Vows to Cheat Inside Octagon Despite Recent Controversy Around Eye Pokes

Veteran heavyweight Derrick Lewis takes a hilarious jibe at Waldo Cortes-Acosta ahead of their UFC 324 bout in January.

Derrick Lewis Hilariously Vows to Cheat Inside Octagon Despite Recent Controversy Around Eye Pokes

Derrick Lewis warns Waldo-Acosta (via Chron, Yahoo Sports)

The buildup to UFC 324 has centered on a range of competitive storylines, including concerns about the use of illegal techniques, especially eye pokes, in recent bouts. Derrick Lewis enters the event with notable attention after addressing the topic directly. He is set to take on Waldo Cortes-Acosta in January and recently issued a humorous warning aimed at his opponent.

Lewis remains one of the most dangerous finishers in heavyweight history, known for his exceptional knockout power, which has defined many of his victories. He arrives at UFC 324 on a two-fight win streak highlighted by a first-round knockout of previously unbeaten Talison Teixeira. Before that, he secured a third-round knockout of Rodrigo Nascimento in May 2024.

Cortes-Acosta also brings momentum into the matchup following a first-round knockout win over Shamil Gaziev at UFC Qatar. His earlier fight against Ante Delija nearly ended in a loss initially before an eye poke restarted the bout, and he rallied to knock out his opponent in the same round. That moment became a reference point in Lewis’s recent pre-fight comments.

If I feel like it, I’m gonna poke him in the eye, hit him in the nuts. Anything to get that win.

Derrick Lewis via UFC Seasonal Press Conference

Beyond his knockout power, Lewis remains one of the UFC’s most entertaining personalities, known for his memorable “balls was hot” moment. His post-fight interviews often draw widespread attention due to his comedic timing and candid demeanor. Inside the Octagon, he maintains a presence that consistently elevates the entertainment factor of his bouts.

The conversation around eye pokes has intensified since UFC 321’s heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. After nearly a year without a championship bout, the division saw its return halted by an early double eye poke from Gane that forced a no-contest. The outcome stalled momentum, delayed clarity at the top, and renewed concerns about accidental fouls across the sport.

As Derrick Lewis approaches this bout at age 40, he faces a younger and highly active opponent in Waldo Cortes-Acosta, who is 34 and has already competed five times in 2025. His rapid schedule contrasts with Lewis’s veteran pacing, adding another layer of intrigue to their matchup. The result may help define the next phase of each fighter’s position within the heavyweight landscape.

Derrick Lewis makes hilarious comments about the UFC White House event

The upcoming UFC White House event has become one of the most discussed developments in the MMA world following its announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump. UFC CEO Dana White has positioned the spectacle as a once-in-a-lifetime occasion with a whole week of activities planned. The buildup has created substantial anticipation across the sport.

Derrick Lewis
Derrick Lewis (via MMA Mania)

Fighters across multiple divisions are actively pursuing opportunities to compete on the historic card, with Jon Jones emerging as one of the most sought-after names for inclusion. Interest in his potential involvement has increased broader speculation surrounding matchups. This led Derrick Lewis to recently make a humorous remark about facing Jones at the White House event.

I don’t even wanna speak on the White House because they already got my phone tapped so I’m not saying nothing.

Derrick Lewis via FULLSEND MMA

Lewis also discussed his intentions for the 2026 season, noting his desire to remain active after navigating a career marked by both surges and setbacks. Maintaining a win streak has become a key focus as he works to stabilize his position in the heavyweight division. His comments reflect a renewed commitment to consistency in the coming year.

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