Overview

Derrick James Lewis, born on February 7, 1985, is an American professional mixed martial artist. Known as “The Black Beast,” he competes in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of February 2025, he is ranked #9 in the UFC heavyweight rankings. Lewis holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history. A professional competitor since 2010, Lewis has also competed for Bellator MMA and Legacy FC, where he was the Heavyweight Champion. Lewis had a troubled upbringing in New Orleans, Louisiana, often engaging in street fights. His family moved to Houston, Texas, during his teenage years. He began boxing training at 17 but faced legal troubles, including a prison sentence. After being released, he transitioned to mixed martial arts, training under George Foreman. Lewis signed with the UFC in 2014 and has since become a prominent figure in the heavyweight division. He is known for his knockout power and memorable post-fight interviews. He is married to April Davis. Lewis’s career has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks, but he remains a popular and exciting fighter in the UFC.

UFC

Heavyweight Fighter

What Is Derrick Lewis’ Net Worth?

Derrick Lewis, an American professional mixed martial artist primarily known for his participation in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. This valuation is based on his career earnings from fights, potential endorsements, and other related ventures.

Derrick Lewis: Early Career and Rise in MMA

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in February 1985, Derrick Lewis started his professional MMA journey in April 2010. His debut saw him secure a victory against Nick Mitchell, setting the stage for his career. Specific financial details from his early fights are not publicly available; however, earnings in the initial stages of an MMA career are typically modest, primarily consisting of fight purses and potential win bonuses.

A significant milestone in Lewis’s early career was winning the Legacy FC Heavyweight Championship in August 2012 after defeating Jared Rosholt. While the exact financial compensation for this title win remains undisclosed, regional championships like this can significantly boost a fighter’s earnings and profile, leading to more lucrative opportunities.

UFC Career: Key Fights and Earnings

Derrick Lewis made his UFC debut in April 2014, marking a turning point in his career. His first fight in the UFC saw him victorious against Jack May. Fighters typically earn a base pay and a win bonus, which is usually the same amount as the base pay. While precise figures for his debut fight are not publicly available, entry-level UFC fighters in 2014 could expect a show money of around $8,000 to $12,000 per fight, with a similar amount as a win bonus.

One of Lewis’s notable performances came in April 2016 when he secured the “Performance of the Night” bonus for his win over Gabriel Gonzaga. This accolade typically comes with an additional bonus, which was around $50,000 at the time. Such bonuses can significantly increase a fighter’s earnings per fight.

February 2017 saw Lewis in a “Fight of the Night” against Travis Browne, which he won. He then had another “Fight of the Night” in June 2017, this time in a losing effort against Mark Hunt. “Fight of the Night” bonuses also added to his earnings, usually around $50,000, even in a loss. This highlights how even losing a fight can be financially rewarding if the performance is exceptionally entertaining.

In February 2018, Lewis earned another “Performance of the Night” bonus after defeating Marcin Tybura, adding another $50,000 to his earnings. He repeated this achievement in October 2018 with a win over Alexander Volkov, further boosting his income.

A major highlight in Lewis’s career was his fight against Daniel Cormier for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in November 2018, despite losing the fight. Championship fights typically come with higher guaranteed purses and a share of the pay-per-view revenue. While the exact payout for this fight is not publicly disclosed, it would have been a significant boost to his net worth, potentially exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In March 2019, his fight against Junior dos Santos was awarded “Fight of the Night”, even though he lost. Again, this would have given him another $50,000 bonus.

While exact contract details and pay-per-view earnings for Derrick Lewis are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that as a heavyweight contender and a popular fighter, he would command significant fight purses and potential bonuses. High-profile UFC fighters can earn anywhere from $100,000 to upwards of $500,000 per fight, depending on their contract and pay-per-view sales.

Other Ventures and Potential Income Streams

Beyond fight earnings, Derrick Lewis’s net worth may also include income from endorsements, sponsorships, and other business ventures. UFC fighters often secure deals with brands related to fitness, nutrition, and sports apparel. The exact value of these deals is usually confidential, but they can provide a steady stream of income. Moreover, income from merchandise sales, such as branded apparel and memorabilia, can also contribute to a fighter’s overall earnings.

Additionally, many UFC fighters engage in promotional activities, such as appearances at events and autograph signings, for which they receive payment. These activities, while not as lucrative as fight purses, can supplement their income.

Net Worth Summary

In summary, Derrick Lewis’s estimated net worth of $1.5 million is a result of his successful career in mixed martial arts, primarily through his participation in the UFC. His earnings come from fight purses, win bonuses, performance bonuses, and potentially from endorsements and other ventures. While specific figures for each income stream are not publicly available, his consistent performance and popularity in the UFC have allowed him to accumulate a respectable net worth.

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