Derrick Lewis Says he Can’t be “Selfish”, Won’t Compete During Coronavirus Outbreak

There’s been no shortage of discussion and debate regarding whether the UFC should try to hold a card anytime soon, on account of the coronavirus pandemic. But, if the UFC does manage to hold an event right around the corner, it looks like Derrick Lewis won’t be competing.

Lewis says he can’t be “selfish”

The UFC was recently forced to postpone three cards, due to restrictions on public gatherings and travel. But, UFC President Dana White has made it clear the promotion intends to hold UFC 249, April 18th.

Many fighters have publicly offered to compete at the event, but, it looks like Lewis won’t be joining that group. While talking to MMA Junkie recently, Lewis said the following, while discussing whether he’s willing to fight in the near future.

“Of course I want to get through this safely,” Lewis said. “I can’t be selfish and stuff like that and go out there and get myself sick and all my family, and bringing back whatever I got and give it to my kids and stuff like that, and my loved ones. So I’ve got to be not selfish enough and just wait and see what the president has to say about everything and just look up to the leaders and just see what they have to say.”

Lewis very likely isn’t the only fighter who feels this way. Some have opined that the UFC will test fighters for the coronavirus, who are booked to fight at UFC 249 (if it happens). But, it’s also possible that fighters could contract the virus traveling to and from the event.

Lewis discusses his plans for the future

So, when is Lewis hoping to fight next? The heavy-handed heavyweight said he’s hoping to fight in June at an event in Austin, Texas.

And while discussing his original hopes for 2020, the contender relayed this.

“That was my goal – to shoot (for) four fights this year before all this stuff happened,” Lewis said. “So we’ll see if we can do three. But what it’s looking like right now – it (doesn’t) look like it. So if we can get another one in, that would be great. If not, that’s fine.”

The 35-year-old Lewis (23-7) is coming off a decision win over Ilir Latifi in February, which followed a split decision win over Blagoy Ivanov in November.

Lewis has gone 3-2 in his last 5 contests, with losses during that stretch coming against former champs Junior dos Santos and Daniel Cormier.