Following a defeat to heavyweight fighter Mark Hunt at UFC Fight Night: Auckland, the ?Black Beast? Derrick Lewis hinted at retirement.
However, after some time to digest what happened to him in New Zealand, the heavyweight contender has decided a return to action was in his future.
?We?re just hoping that we don?t have to get surgery, because I thought about it a little bit, and it?s not going to be my last fight,? Lewis said on The MMA Hour. ?I?m going to try to get back in there as soon as I can, and we?ll find out Wednesday, see what?s going on and if it?s not too serious. Hopefully I can get back in there before the end of the year.?
Although Lewis wants to return by the end of the year, there is no official date planned
When the heavyweight does return to the Octagon, there is a specific opponent he wants to fight.
?If I can, I?d get him (Francis Ngannou) next,? Lewis said. ?If not, that?s fine. I?ll give anyone hell, but right now that?d be a good one.?
The loss for Lewis ended a two year winning streak for the heavyweight and he notched a total of six wins during that time.