“Hang It Up Man” – Fans Plead Knockout King Derrick Lewis To Retire After Brutal UFC 324 Loss

Fan favorite UFC heavyweight Derrick Lewis gets knocked out by rising contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta in the second round at UFC 324.

“Hang It Up Man” – Fans Plead Knockout King Derrick Lewis To Retire After Brutal UFC 324 Loss

Derrick Lewis gets knocked out by Waldo Cortes Acosta at UFC 324 (via MMA Fighting)

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The UFC’s long-anticipated Paramount+ era officially began at UFC 324, marking a major shift in the promotion’s broadcast landscape. However, the milestone event did not start on a high note for Derrick Lewis. The heavyweight veteran suffered a technical knockout loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta on the undercard, with the bout ending in a notably anti-climactic fashion that set an unexpected tone.

Lewis entered the matchup riding winning momentum, having secured knockout victories over Rodrigo Nascimento and Tallison Teixeira in his previous two appearances. Those results reinforced his reputation as one of the heavyweight division’s most dangerous finishers. In contrast, Cortes-Acosta approached the contest with a significantly higher activity level, competing five times during 2025 alone.

The fight saw Lewis attempt to match Acosta’s pace in the opening round, but he struggled to land clean offense against the more mobile opponent. In the second round, Lewis increased his forward pressure in an effort to shift momentum. Acosta responded with a short jab that caused Lewis to slip and fall, then followed with a flurry of strikes that forced referee Jason Herzog to stop the contest at the 3:14 mark.

Acosta entered UFC 324 on a two-fight winning streak, earning first-round knockout victories over Shamil Gaziev and Ante Delija in his previous outings. The Delija bout proved pivotal in his rise, as ‘Salsa Boy’ overcame an early eye poke in round one before rallying to score the knockout. That performance marked a turning point in his run and was followed by a callout of heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

Known as the ‘Black Beast’, Lewis has long been recognized for his knockout power and ability to deliver memorable moments inside the Octagon. The Houston native has consistently drawn attention through his aggressive fighting style and unpredictable finishes. Another defining aspect of his career remains his post-fight interviews, including the “Balls was hot” moment and memorable exchanges with Joe Rogan.

With the victory, Waldo Cortes-Acosta clarified his path in the 265-pound division, calling out Curtis Blaydes and positioning himself for a title push. The win marked a clear step forward as he continues building momentum against ranked opposition. Meanwhile, Derrick Lewis had been linked to a potential spot on the June 14 UFC White House event, though how his trajectory unfolds remains uncertain.

Fans react to Derrick Lewis getting knocked out by Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324

Fans expressed concern about Derrick Lewis following the loss, with many questioning whether the longtime heavyweight should consider retirement. The result prompted discussions about his durability and ability to compete against faster, more active opponents at this stage of his career. Some reactions focused on his age and recent performances, suggesting the fight reflected a broader decline.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis at UFC 324
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis at UFC 324 (via Yahoo Sports)

Other fans shifted the focus to Waldo Cortes-Acosta, praising his performance against one of the most experienced heavyweights on the roster. Many reactions highlighted his composure and efficiency in dealing with Lewis’ power threat throughout the fight. His growing knockout power and recent momentum were frequently cited as signs that he is developing into a serious contender in the division.

Some fans questioned the nature of the knockout itself, focusing on how the sequence unfolded rather than the result alone. The stoppage sparked debate about the slip that led to the finish, particularly given Derrick Lewis’ experience at the heavyweight level. For many, the moment raised broader questions about how small mistakes can carry significant consequences in major fights at this stage of a veteran’s career.

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