The legendary UFC fighter is puzzled by one particular element of his upcoming bout.
MMA’s premier organization will conclude its extended break when it returns to Paramount+ on January 24th with UFC 324.
T-Mobile Arena will be the stage for several high-profile fights, featuring Amanda Nunes making her comeback against Kayla Harrison in the co-main event, and the headliner showcasing Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship.
Among the notable fighters preparing for this championship-packed event is Derrick Lewis, the UFC’s all-time knockout leader.
Known as “The Black Beast,” Lewis is set to battle rising heavyweight contender Waldo Cortez-Acosta, but there’s an aspect of the matchup that leaves the veteran fighter somewhat dissatisfied.
Lewis, who is enjoying a career revival heading into 2026 with three wins in his last four fights following a submission loss to Sergei Spivac, hopes to extend his winning streak. However, he knows he must overcome the odds once again.
Similar to when Ruiz was an underdog in his fight after defeating Talison Teixeira in July at UFC Nashville, Lewis also opens as an underdog with a +240 betting line, despite Ruiz climbing to fifth in the division after consecutive knockouts in November.
Lewis accepts the underdog role but remarks, “That’s not happening, so let them keep doing it,” suggesting he embraces his role as the heavyweight division’s gatekeeper, wondering why he seems drawn to fighters in this position.
Cortez-Acosta will await Lewis at the T-Mobile Arena on January 24, but there was nearly a headline switch as Dutch kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven declined to make his UFC debut at UFC 324. The UFC offered Lewis that fight, but Verhoeven, who retired from Glory Kickboxing late last year, appears to be transitioning to MMA on his own terms.
Verhoeven, dubbed the “King of Kickboxing,” boasts an incredible streak of 26 consecutive wins during a historic title reign lasting over 4,000 days, making him one of the all-time greats in the sport.
Fan Take: This event marks a thrilling chapter for MMA fans as Derrick Lewis continues to defy expectations and the possible arrival of a kickboxing legend like Rico Verhoeven could shake up the heavyweight division. UFC 324’s blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars promises significant moments that could shape the sport’s future.
