‘This is my Super Bowl’: Derrick Lewis looks at another defining moment at UFC Freedom 250

Derrick Lewis (Image credit: Instagram) For most of the past decade, Derrick Lewis has occupied a unique place in the UFC heavyweight landscape. The championship came close but never stayed, but the knockouts kept coming.The personality never faded, and long after generations of contenders came and went, the “Black Beast” continued to matter. With 16 knockouts, more than any fighter in UFC history, Lewis has built a legacy on violence and entertainment in equal measure. Which is perhaps why his presence at UFC Freedom 250 is appropriate.A veteran of more than 40 UFC appearances, Lewis finds himself in one of the most unusual scenes the sport has ever produced – a fight card set against the backdrop of the White House, where America is celebrating its 250th anniversary.For a man who has made a career out of creating memorable moments, this one already feels different before he steps into the cage.“It was kind of crazy because it’s my first time in DC. Seeing these buildings, being right next to the White House and seeing all the security around, it’s pretty cool. It’s a great experience.“I’ve fought all over the world and in a lot of big arenas, but this is different. This is my Super Bowl, my championship fight. To be able to fight right here in the White House, that’s the pinnacle of any sport. It’s up there with everybody, even the World Cup.”It is something special and something I will always remember,” Lewis told Timesofindia.com in an exclusive interview ahead of UFC Freedom 250.

Ironically, Lewis should never have been here.When the original Freedom 250 card took shape, his name was missing. But when the President of the United States reportedly wondered aloud why one of his favorite fighters wasn’t on the bill, plans quickly changed.UFC CEO Dana White put together a heavyweight bout against Josh Hokit, and Lewis suddenly found himself on the road to Washington.It wasn’t the first sign of Donald Trump’s affection for Lewis. Trump personally called Lewis after one of his 2025 victories, a gesture that stunned the heavyweight.There was a similar reaction when it was discovered that the president had once again played his part in bringing him to the White House card.“It’s an amazing feeling. I was just shocked that he said that. In the middle of everything that’s going on in the world, he was thinking of me. I thought it was pretty cool.“I don’t really know what to think or say about it. I just thought it was really cool. It’s one of those things that you never really expect. You just appreciate it,” he said.

At 41, Lewis knows exactly where he stands. He remains one of the most recognizable names in the division, a two-time title challenger whose 29 wins and record number of knockouts have made him one of the UFC’s most enduring attractions.But opposite him this weekend will be one of the newest names in the division.Josh Hokit comes in undefeated at 9-0 with just three UFC fights under his belt, but his rise has been rapid. A former wrestler and football player, Hokit carries himself with a theatrical flair that often resembles professional wrestling more than traditional MMA.His alter-ego, loud proclamations and verbal jabs made him one of the sport’s more colorful personalities.They also brought Lewis into his sights. Earlier in the week, Hokit questioned Lewis’ motivation, suggesting he found it difficult to respect a fighter who had “given up” in his previous fight.Lewis suggested that the nonsense was little more than background noise.“Not at all. It’s just normal talk about Fight Week. You have to say something like that. I don’t know what else you want to say.”“Everybody’s trying to sell the fight and get people interested. That’s part of it. I don’t really pay attention to any of that stuff,” he said.

What occupies Lewis’ mind, however, are the practicalities of facing an undefeated heavyweight who possesses wrestling pedigree and youthful energy.“Yeah, anything can happen. It’s a heavyweight fight. I think maybe the fight, or just trying to get away the whole time. That’s really what it’s about.”We had a good camp. We worked on everything. I’m just going to go out there and do what I always do. I don’t think about anything. Once the cage is closed, we’ll see what happens,” he added. Where does this fight fit in?Lewis understands that beating an undefeated prospect in just three UFC fights may not dramatically change his status. The ranking, he believes, is likely to stay where it is.“It probably puts me in the same place because beating this guy isn’t going to do anything for me. He’s only got three fights in the UFC, so beating him isn’t really going to do anything for me.”“But that’s okay. I’m just focused on performing well. That’s always been the goal,” he said.But the White House’s task is bigger than rankings or records. Lewis doesn’t believe one win over Hokit will rewrite the heavyweight hierarchy, but acknowledges the rarity of the moment. Years after becoming the UFC’s knockout king, years after titles have come and gone, Lewis finds himself in something every fighter is chasing – with another memorable milestone.“I’m a fun fighter. People know I go out there and give it my all every time. What I want people to remember about this fight and when they look back on my career is that it was probably the best performance of my career,” concluded Lewis.Watch UFC Freedom 250 – Topuria vs. Gaethje 15 June 2026 at 5:30 AM on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD (Tamil, Telugu and Kannada)