Derrick Lewis brushed off questions about his recent arrest for reckless driving ahead of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 231 headliner.
Lewis (27-11 MMA, 18-9 UFC), a longtime heavyweight contender who meets Jailton Almeida (19-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC) in this weekend’s main event at Ginasio Do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, was arrested and charged just 11 days out from his fight in Harris County (Texas) for allegedly driving 136 mph in a 50 mph zone.
“The Black Beast,” who holds the record for most knockout wins in UFC history, was released on $100 bond hours after his arrest. Lewis is due back in court Dec. 27.
When asked about the situation at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 231 media day, Lewis claimed it was all a case of mistaken identity.
“Nah, I don’t even think that was me,” Lewis told reporters in a media scrum released by UFC. “That guy had hair. You seen the picture? I don’t got no hair. That ain’t me.”
According to the arrest report, the person detained was described as having black hair. Lewis is, of course, bald.
Despite the arrest, Lewis’ matchup with Almeida was not jeopardized. After snapping a three-fight losing skid with a vicious knockout of Marcos Rogerio de Lima in August, Lewis will try to put together consecutive victories against his streaking Brazilian foe.
“I think our skills match up pretty well, especially on the ground,” Lewis said. “I think I can get a leg lock on him early in the first round.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 231.
