Derrick Lewis Eyes White House, UFC Title After UFC 324 Win
Derrick Lewis, a well-known figure in the UFC heavyweight category, has expressed a keen interest in fighting at the White House. His aspirations are built on a crucial victory at UFC 324, which he views as a stepping stone to achieving that goal.
Derrick Lewis Eyes White House After UFC 324 Win
The upcoming UFC 324 event is scheduled to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This marks a historic moment as it will be the first UFC event broadcast on Paramount+ in the United States. Derrick Lewis is set to face Waldo Cortes-Acosta, a rising star in the heavyweight division, during the main card of the event.
Significance of a Win
If Lewis emerges victorious, he hopes to compete at a special event at the White House in June. He stated his excitement about this unique opportunity, emphasizing, “Yeah, for sure,” when discussing the potential to fight in such a prestigious location. Lewis is already contemplating who he might face, suggesting interest in competitors from diverse backgrounds, including fighters from Russia and Venezuela.
Creating the UFC White House Event
The idea of hosting a UFC fight card at the White House has generated significant buzz in the MMA community. UFC CEO Dana White has announced plans to start discussions immediately following UFC 324 to develop an exciting lineup of matches. Potential opponents for Lewis include notable fighters like Jon Jones or Alex Pereira, particularly for an interim heavyweight title.
Current Form and Rankings
- Cortes-Acosta enters UFC 324 with a strong record, having won four out of five matches in 2025, including consecutive knockouts.
- Lewis achieved a first-round knockout against Tallison Teixeira in July 2025, marking his only fight this year.
Aspiring for a Title Shot
At 40 years of age, Lewis is determined to solidify his position within the heavyweight division. Winning against Cortes-Acosta could significantly enhance his prospects for either an interim or undisputed title shot. He currently feels he missed an opportunity for a title challenge after his last fight, attributing it to the caliber of his opponent.
In Lewis’s view, a victory at UFC 324 is essential for strengthening his case for a title match, particularly given Cortes-Acosta’s ranking. He stated, “I believe I earn a shot if I win at UFC 324, just because of where Cortes-Acosta is at in the rankings.”
As the UFC community eagerly anticipates this matchup, the potential for a significant event at the White House looms ever closer.