The world of mixed martial arts and sports entertainment may be on the cusp of a groundbreaking collaboration, as UFC heavyweight star Derrick Lewis has confirmed that he is in talks with WWE about a potential appearance. Lewis, who holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history, revealed the news during a press conference for his upcoming fight against Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC on ESPN.
When asked about the possibility of working with WWE, Lewis claimed that he has been in discussions with the company since February, sparking excitement among fans who have long anticipated a crossover between the two promotions. Lewis, known for his charismatic persona and entertaining antics outside of the Octagon, already has a finisher in mind – Rikishi’s popular Stinkface maneuver.
Lewis is no stranger to generating buzz, having famously pulled down his shorts during a post-fight interview at UFC 229, claiming his “b*lls was hot” after knocking out Alexander Volkov. The incident has become a viral sensation, showcasing the fighter’s lighthearted and humorous side.
The potential collaboration between UFC and WWE is not unfounded, given that the two promotions are now under the same parent company, TKO Group Holdings, following a merger in September. Although WWE focuses on sports entertainment, while UFC remains a legitimate mixed martial arts promotion, the lines between the two are becoming increasingly blurred.
In recent months, several UFC fighters have incorporated wrestling themes into their entrances, paying homage to WWE legends such as The Undertaker, Kurt Angle, Bret Hart, and Triple H. Meanwhile, Michael Chandler has already set the tone for a crossover, attending a WWE event in February to call out Conor McGregor.
As the boundaries between MMA and sports entertainment continue to fade, the prospect of UFC stars making the jump to WWE becomes increasingly plausible. With Lewis already envisioning himself delivering a Stinkface to the WWE universe, fans are eagerly anticipating what could be a groundbreaking partnership between two of the world’s most popular combat sports promotions.
