DERRICK LEWIS

I don't care what people think.

It's all the stuff I've been through in my life. From family struggles, people doubting me, things I went through as a child and going to prison, they all played a factor in who I am today. It really made me a better person. Going through those situations can make or break you as a human being.

For sure, I would love to fight in Houston.

I go in to fight just to fight. I don't care about submissions, the technique and all of that.

This heavyweight division, it takes just one punch for anyone. It doesn't matter how hard you train or what.

I think Cormier is gonna come out and try to wrestle me, try to get me tired, and try to push the pace. I know he might not say that I'm on his level but I think I am and he thinking that I'm not, really.

My goal is just to make as much money as I can in the sport, and that's it.

I really don't like watching women fights.

I have a lot of anger built up in me from my childhood. My wife and kids are the only ones who give me peace in this world.

I speak my mind too much, and the UFC probably don't really like that. But I really don't care.

The sport itself is dangerous. Anything can happen.

I really don't punch with my left hand anyways.

Travis Browne don't know what's he thinking. Travis, he's out there, man. That guy has been knocked out so many times, he's been rocked so many times, he don't know what to say.

I always had dreamed one day Bruce Buffer's going to be introducing me... Derrick 'The Black Beast' Lewis... and I just always pictured him saying it.

You've really got to stay ready 24/7. You really can't get ready because there's no telling. They'll call you short notice to fight anyone so you really have to stay ready.

I don't want to fight once a year. I like fighting every other month.

It would be cool to let people know that it doesn't matter what kind of background you have in your past, that you can still make something out of your life.

You have 20 fights, you should know what it takes to get yourself ready. If you don't feel like you're ready, you let your coach know 'hey we need to work on a little bit more of this.'

I believe the tough fights bring out the better fighter in myself.

I've been in that situation three or four times before where I'm losing the fight - the fight seems almost over with - and I knew I had to finish him and stop playing possum as much.

I just have a crazy sense of humor.

Everyone else is a mixed martial artist. I'm not a mixed martial artist, I'm a brawler.

That's usually the way I am - I don't care what my opponent can do. I just focus on myself.

I just feel that all the top fighters in the world are making all the money.

I know Cormier is a wrestler so you really got to get them hips down on him so I've been working them hips really good.