Derrick Lewis (23-7 MMA, 14-5 UFC) took another step up the division’s all-time wins list when he beat Latifi (14-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC) by unanimous decision in the heavyweight matchup, which opened the UFC 247 main card from Toyota Center in Houston.

Derrick Lewis joins Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show to recap his victory over Ilir Latifi at UFC 247. He said he was very happy because of victory and he celebrated his birthday after the fight. Lewis also says he’s dealing with a medical issue and according to him it’s a life or death situation.

.@Thebeast_ufc says he's dealing with a medical issue that the #UFC doctors and his doctors in Houston know about. Says it's a life or death situation. Doesn't want to elaborate on what it is. He's getting it checked out within the next 2 weeks. #UFC247 #HelwaniShow @arielhelwani — MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) February 10, 2020

Derrick Lewis says he’s dealing with a medical issue that the UFC doctors and his doctors in Houston know about. Says it’s a life or death situation. Doesn’t want to elaborate on what it is. He’s getting it checked out within the next 2 weeks.

Lewis also said on The Helwani Show he’s aware that the surging Curtis Blaydes is interested in a fight. Blaydes, who relies heavily on his wrestling, has put himself into heavyweight title contention by winning three straight fights and seven of his past eight.

This is what he said: “Yeah, of course Curtis Blaydes wants to fight me, because he’s a wrestler and he felt like he can do more damage to me if he can take me down. That’s great, that can be the next fight. Instead of him trying to push for the title, he wants to risk all of that and try to fight me and get knocked out of the way, that’s fine.”

Lewis should be confident heading into his next matchup, especially being healthier with his diet, he said. His weight issues are under control and he said he felt lighter in his fight this past Saturday. He showed that with some new weapons. Instead of brawling, Lewis wowed the Houston crowd by taking to the air to do damage.