Derrick Lewis reveals "life-or-death" health issues

Shockingly, Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis was battling more than his opponent at UFC 247, he was also dealing with serious health issues.

In the first fight on the main card at UFC 247 showcased a heavyweight bout between divisional staple Derrick Lewis and former light heavyweight Ilir Latifi. It was a close, competitive fight that in the end saw Lewis, the hometown hero, win via decision. The win was Lewis’ second straight following another decision win over Blagoy Ivanov in November of last year.

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“Yeah, I will be available,” Lewis said in an interview with Ariel Helwani. “But my coach wants me to get something checked out that came up in my medicals that has been hindering my training. We’re supposed to be keeping it on the down low, but I got to get it checked out.

“The UFC doctors know what it is and the doctors here in Houston know what it is. It’s just something that’s been going on that I got to get addressed. It’s a life-or-death situation serious,” Derrick Lewis said of his lingering health issues.

While he’s remained candid regarding what the exact medical problem is, it definitely seems serious. Lewis made it clear that whatever he’s dealing with it isn’t something to be taken lightly.

“It’s something that happens to a lot of athletes, it don’t matter if you’re healthy or not. It’s something that can still happen to you at the drop of a hat,” he added. “It could affect my life.”

Lewis is one of the most popular fighters in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Hopefully he can receive the medical attention he needs, so that this unnamed condition doesn’t end an exciting career.