In a surprising turn of events, Derrick Lewis has found himself in hot water just days before his highly anticipated fight in Brazil this weekend. While it appears that the bout is still scheduled to proceed, the heavyweight fighter’s participation was jeopardized after he was arrested for exceeding the speed limit. Reports indicate that the UFC star was apprehended while allegedly driving at astonishing speeds of up to 136 mph in a 50 mph zone. The Texas native was seen weaving dangerously through traffic in his flashy pink Lamborghini, making reckless lane changes before allegedly overtaking a police officer.

For the first time since this incident, Derrick Lewis addressed the situation with his signature humor, providing a classic response that resonated with his fans. When discussing the recent allegations against him, ‘The Black Beast’ humorously invoked the ‘Shaggy defense’ strategy. “Nah, I don’t think that was me,” Lewis playfully commented, distancing himself from the reckless driving incident. “That guy had hair. You seen the picture? I don’t got no hair. That ain’t me.” His comedic take on a serious matter showcases his unique personality, even amidst controversy.

The official police report concerning Lewis’s reckless driving incident contained several inaccuracies regarding his physical description. The report inaccurately stated that Derrick Lewis is 6-foot-2, while he is actually 6-foot-4, and listed his weight as 215 pounds, which is significantly less than his usual fighting weight. Additionally, the report amusingly claimed that he had opted for a hairstyle change, suggesting he had grown black hair instead of maintaining his trademark bald look. This mix-up has sparked further discussions among fans and media alike about the details of the arrest. [h/t MMAFighting]

Related: Derrick Lewis Arrested for allegedly driving 136 in a 50 mph zone

The ‘Shaggy defense’ is a well-known legal strategy used by defendants in court, and it is exactly what Derrick Lewis employed in this recent incident. When faced with serious accusations, the accused simply denies all charges by claiming, “It wasn’t me.” This humorous tactic not only provides comic relief but also pays homage to the popular song released in 2000 by the renowned artist Shaggy, which has become synonymous with similar situations.

Will Derrick Lewis Compete This Weekend Despite Legal Troubles?

Despite the ongoing legal issues surrounding him, Derrick Lewis remains determined to compete in his heavyweight headliner this weekend. His fight against rising contender Jailton Almeida at UFC Sao Paulo on November 4 is still on track, much to the anticipation of fans. ‘Malhadinho’ is looking to extend his winning streak to six consecutive victories as he aims to maintain his undefeated status since joining the UFC after an impressive performance on the Contender Series in 2021.

After breaking a three-fight losing streak in his last outing with a spectacular flying knee finish, Lewis is eager to make another title run. However, he faces a challenging stylistic matchup on foreign soil this Saturday, which could complicate his quest for victory. Fans are anxious to see how this unfolding drama will affect his performance in the octagon.

Source