Derrick Lewis wakes up unemployed after revealing his UFC contract is over and he is free agent despite 33 second KO win
DERRICK LEWIS scored a stunning highlight-reel KO in his clash with Marcos Rogerio de Lima - but he'll no longer be on the UFC books come next week.
The Black Beast knocked out the Brazilian with a vicious barrage of ground and pound after flattening him with a flying knee in the first round of their UFC 291 clash.
The win was the final fight of Lewis' contract with MMA's top promotion, who do have an exclusive re-negotiation period with the fan favourite.
The 38-year-old dropped the bombshell in his post-fight interview with UFC commentator Joe Rogan.
When asked what's next for him, he said: "We'll see. I'm a free agent now."
Lewis - who could opt to fight former heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou in the PFL - will have plenty of offers coming his way in the next few months.
But he's hoping his next fight will take place under the UFC banner.
He said: "Hopefully I can get a contract with the UFC, if not, s**t, it is what it is."
Lewis lit up the Delta Center in Salt Lake City a mere 33 seconds into his slugfest with De Lim - who didn't land a single strike.
But he had fight fans in stitches when he celebrated his record-breaking KO by taking his shorts off and dancing in the octagon.
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UFC fans were quick to comment, with one saying: "Derrick Lewis taking his shorts off post-fight is as American as Apple Pie.
Another said: "DERRICK LEWIS NO SHORTS ICON."
And another said: "Vintage Derrick Lewis."
One remarked: "How can boxing compete with Derrick Lewis taking off his shorts."
Another chimed in: "Derrick lewis with Abs is the new Mythical fighter lol."