This is no longer fun” – Is Derrick Lewis considering retirement despite just winning?

When Derrick Lewis stepped out of the Octagon on July 13, 2025, after delivering one of the most electrifying performances of his UFC career, the crowd’s deafening roars weren’t just for the win—they were for the man. Derrick Lewis, the Houston native known as “The Black Beast,” once again proved why he’s a fan favorite in the heavyweight division, not just for his ferocious knockouts but for the raw authenticity he brings to the fight game and his life outside it.

This article dives into how Derrick Lewis has been living his life post-fight—his emotional state, personal reflections, family life, and the unique balance between fame and staying true to himself.

A Victory That Meant More Than Just a Win

The July 13 fight wasn’t just another date on the calendar—it was a defining moment for Derrick Lewis. Coming off a string of inconsistent performances and growing speculation that he might be nearing the end of his career, Lewis shocked everyone with a first-round KO that silenced doubters.

| Derrick Lewis: “Man, I still got it. Don’t ever count me out.”

The post-fight interview quickly went viral, especially when he stripped off his gloves—not to retire—but to toss them playfully into the crowd with his signature grin. The fans loved every second. That win rejuvenated his career, but more importantly, it lifted a personal burden.

Behind the scenes, Derrick Lewis admitted that he had been battling doubts—not about his physical strength, but about his purpose in the sport. The 2025 victory didn’t just boost his ranking; it reignited his love for the game.

“I Fought For Me This Time”

Most fighters talk about representing their gym, their team, or their country. But for Lewis, this fight was personal.

| Derrick Lewis: “For once, I wasn’t trying to prove nothing to nobody. I went in there and fought for myself—and that’s why it felt so damn good.”

That raw self-reflection is what sets Derrick Lewis apart. He’s not just a fighter; he’s a man who’s open about his struggles with mental health, motivation, and the weight of expectations. The days leading up to the fight were filled with intense physical training, but also therapy sessions and time spent with his close-knit family.

Life at Home: BBQs, Family Time, and Church

In the days after the fight, Derrick Lewis did something most wouldn’t expect from a UFC star riding high on success—he went back home, hosted a cookout, and relaxed with his family.

Back in Houston, Lewis isn’t just a UFC icon. He’s a neighbor, a family man, and a regular at his local church.

| Derrick Lewis: “I ain’t no celebrity when I’m home. I’m just a husband, a father, and a dude who loves BBQ.”

Friends of Lewis say the post-fight week was one of the happiest they’ve seen him. Instead of media tours or Vegas parties, Derrick Lewis chose to spend time fishing with his kids and visiting his mother.

That’s the duality of Derrick Lewis. Inside the cage, he’s a monster. Outside, he’s a gentle giant who values quiet, meaningful moments.

Reflecting on the Pressure of Public Expectations

Even though Lewis is one of the most beloved figures in the UFC, that affection comes with pressure. Over the years, the spotlight has taken its toll on his mental health. After the fight, he was more candid than ever about the emotional stress he’s carried.

| Derrick Lewis: “Y’all love me when I’m knocking people out, but I had to learn how to love myself when I wasn’t.”

That statement struck a chord across social media. It wasn’t just a soundbite—it was a powerful reminder that fighters are human beings too.

The win reminded him—and the world—that he’s still got what it takes. But it also forced him to reassess how he defines success. For Lewis, being mentally and spiritually strong has become just as important as landing punches.

A Different Kind of Comeback

It’s tempting to frame the July 13 win as a “comeback.” But for Derrick Lewis, it’s more nuanced than that. This wasn’t just a return to form—it was a return to peace.

After years of headlines about his post-fight jokes, injuries, and viral moments, Lewis showed that he’s deeper than the memes. His comeback wasn’t to chase belts—it was to reclaim himself.

| Derrick Lewis: “I ain’t worried about titles right now. I just want to keep fighting, keep loving, and keep laughing.”

That approach has earned him even more respect from fans and fighters alike. It’s no longer about whether he can be champ—it’s about what kind of man he wants to be.

The City of Houston Rallies Around Him

No matter what happens in the UFC, Derrick Lewis will always be Houston’s own. After the win, the city celebrated him with murals, a public rally, and even a surprise visit at a local youth gym where he used to train.

Local kids ran up to him like he was a superhero.

| Derrick Lewis: “I ain’t Superman, but I’m tryin’ to be a good role model.”

He’s now putting more energy into mentoring younger fighters and speaking at schools about perseverance. He’s even in talks to open a new training facility for underprivileged kids.

What’s Next for Derrick Lewis?

Speculation about Lewis’s next fight is already heating up. Will he face another top-10 opponent? Is a title run still in the cards?

Lewis isn’t giving any straight answers. And that’s exactly how he wants it.

| Derrick Lewis: “I’ll fight when I feel like it. But right now, I’m just enjoying my ribs and rest.”

What’s clear is that Lewis is no longer driven by pressure. He’s moved into a phase of his career where he fights on his terms—and that makes him even more dangerous.

Whether or not he chases another title shot, Derrick Lewis has already secured something far more valuable: inner peace and the love of his community.

| Derrick Lewis: “I’m happy. That’s the real win.”

The heavyweight division might still have some young lions waiting to make their mark, but as long as Derrick Lewis keeps stepping into the Octagon, he’ll be a problem—for opponents and for expectations.

Derrick Lewis isn’t just back—he’s better than ever. And this time, it’s not about belts or rankings. It’s about something far deeper: rediscovering joy, purpose, and family.