Derrick Lewis rejuvenated ahead of UFC 244 return, wants Greg Hardy next

NEW YORK – Derrick Lewis wants a piece of Greg Hardy after his fight against Blagoy Ivanov on Saturday at UFC 244.

Lewis (21-7 MMA, 12-5 UFC) has made no secrets about his desire to throw down with Hardy (5-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) since the former NFL standout joined the UFC roster less than a year ago. “The Black Beast” has a serious issue with Hardy’s controversial past, and he hopes to share the octagon with him.

The matchup has long been unrealistic given Lewis’ position as a top heavyweight contender and Hardy’s inexperience. But Hardy is scheduled to fight Alexander Volkov in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN+ 21 on Nov. 9, and if he wins, the fight could actually make sense.

“That would be good,” Lewis told MMA Junkie of a showdown with Hardy at UFC 244 media day. “What’s his name? Greg? Greg ‘I Beat My Wife Because I Can’t Breathe’ Hardy. I would like to fight him. That would be great to fight him next.”

First things first, though, Hardy has a date with Ivanov (18-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at UFC 244, which takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York and airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.

Lewis admitted he doesn’t know a ton about Ivanov, but has seen him fight once before. The focus for Lewis going into UFC 244 centers on himself, and he said he’s physically feeling better than ever.

Lewis hasn’t seen action since a loss to Junior Dos Santos at UFC on ESPN+ 4 in March. He underwent knee surgery afterward, and after taking a longer break between fights than he’s had in years, Lewis said he enters UFC 244 lighter and healthier than he’s been in his entire UFC tenure.

“I believe (time off) was the perfect thing for me,” Lewis said. “Everything happens for a reason and for me to reset my mind completely. It showed that I still want to do this. I started missing it so much. You’ll see me at my full potential.”