Mike Tomlin is a huge fan of UFC star Derrick Lewis
Derrick Lewis has fan in legendary Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.
Following the Steelers’ season-ending victory over the Baltimore Ravens, their heated rivals, Tomlin celebrated by beating his chest and blowing a kiss. If the celebration looked familiar to fight fans, it’s because Tomlin was inspired by UFC heavyweight veteran Derrick Lewis.
Tomlin explained the homage in an interview with Rich Eisen.
“That’s a tip of the cap to one of my favorite MMA competitors, Derrick Lewis,” Tomlin said. “That’s his celebration.”
Lewis, a two-time UFC title (including interim) challenger, is famous for his explosive knockouts, animated celebrations, and lively post-fight interviews. The 40-year-old holds a 20-10 UFC record, with 16 of those victories coming by way of KO/TKO.
But beyond Lewis’ in-cage accomplishments, Tomlin is a fan of Lewis as a person.
“I got so much respect for that dude and how he goes about his business,” Tomlin said.
Check out Tomlin’s impression of “The Black Beast” below.
January is a busy month for Lewis and Tomlin, the NFL’s longest-tenured head coach. Lewis is scheduled to fight Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324 on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas, while Tomlin’s Steelers welcome the Houston Texans to Acrisure Stadium for Monday’s AFC Wild Card matchup.
Category: General Sports
