DERRICK LEWIS revealed he received an inspiration phone call from US president Donald Trump before his stunning knockout win over Alexander Volkov at UFC 229.
Lewis, 33, looked likely to go down to defeat to the Russian before he was given a rousing speech by his corner before the start of the third round.
One of his cornermen told him: “I need you to breathe for me. I need you to listen like you’ve never listened before buddy.
“We are down two rounds in the most important fight of your life, I need you to turn this up.
“You are backing up and letting him play his range. he keeps attacking the belly. We have zero to lose at this point. It’s kill or be killed.
“I need you to push forward, get in his face, rough him up and let’s finish this fight.”
Lewis took it easy at the start of the third before a stunning late rally where he knocked Volkov to the ground with seconds remaining.
He then revealed how Trump had played a part in the incredible victory.
“I forgot who I was before the fight. Donald Tump phoned me and told me ‘I’ve got to hit this motherf****er out. You’re making me look bad on the news’,” he said.
Joe Rogan, the host of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, interviewed Lewis after the fight and suggested he could now have a title fight.
Lewis’ response was a no-nonsense one, saying: “F**k what you’re talking about right now. I’m not trying to fight for no world title I need to do more cardio.”
But he did pledge to go on his podcast and said: “Thanks for having me. Maybe next week or sometime I’ll come on your show and some weed with you.”
Rogan replied: “Anytime, anytime!”
Credit: www.express.co.uk
