Picture the scene: A massive heavyweight fighter, sweat still dripping, adrenaline coursing after a grueling battle inside the caged enclosure of the UFC Octagon. The roar of the crowd is just subsiding. And then, amidst the post-fight chaos, a phone appears. Not for a quick check-in with his corner or a call to family, but a direct line to the then-President of the United States.
This is the truly unique scenario that UFC fan favorite Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis described, recounting a memorable phone conversation he had with Donald Trump right from the fighting surface. It`s the kind of story that could only happen in the unpredictable world of mixed martial arts, particularly with a character as genuine and unfiltered as Lewis.
Lewis revealed that this unexpected post-fight call held significant personal value for him. “This celebration holds a special place in my heart just because I communicated on the phone with the president,” he stated. It wasn`t merely a quick congratulatory message; according to Lewis, the discussion touched upon unexpected topics.
The conversation, Lewis explained, began to veer into the realm of business. However, recognizing the less-than-ideal setting of a post-fight Octagon for such detailed discussions, Lewis smartly suggested deferring the matter. He told the President he`d prefer to wait until he could visit the White House in person to have a proper conversation. An Octagon, it seems, lacks the necessary corporate atmosphere for deal-making.
Lewis clearly felt it was a considerable gesture that the President took the time to speak with him directly, noting, “It was really great that he spoke with me.” This wasn`t entirely spontaneous either; Lewis mentioned he had specifically requested UFC President Dana White for a window of a “few weeks” to facilitate this interaction with Mr. Trump.
But what exactly does a heavyweight fighter discuss with a President immediately after absorbing blows? Beyond the brief mention of business, Lewis`s description took a turn towards the, shall we say, more impactful global issues. He stated they spoke “About terrorists and other matters.” One can only imagine the rapid shift in focus from ground-and-pound defense to international security concerns, all while still recovering from physical exertion.
And then came the classic Derrick Lewis touch – a moment of characteristic humor mixed with a healthy dose of playful suspicion, directed towards a prominent government agency. Lewis offered his candid opinion on the FBI: “We actually don`t like them,” he stated with typical bluntness. This led to a lighthearted, yet perfectly timed, request to the President himself. Lewis joked that he felt compelled to ensure he wasn`t inadvertently on any undesirable lists. “I had to tell the president: ‘Hey, make sure my name isn’t on their list.’”
The image is undeniably striking and slightly absurd: a tough-as-nails fighter, known for his knockout power and post-fight comedy routines, engaging in a presidential chat about national security and government agencies, all from the literal center of his workplace. It underscores the unique intersection of sports, celebrity, and politics, delivering yet another unforgettable moment courtesy of Derrick Lewis.
