5 Best MMA Fighters of 2018

#4 Derrick Lewis (21-6-1)

Meme machine!

As admitted by the man himself, Derrick Lewis isn't your typical mixed martial artist but is a proper fighter with incredible heart and unmatched grit. The Black Beast became everyone's favorite fighter when he famously took his pants off after his last-gasp victory against Alexander Volkov at UFC 229. The man's balls were hot for god's sake! Lewis' meme-worthy reply during the post-fight interview made him an overnight sensation and rightfully so, he was granted a shot at Daniel Cormier's Heavyweight title.

However, Lewis's hilariously nonchalant demeanor wasn't what earned him a deserved crack at the UFC Heavyweight Championship.

For a fighter whose cardio isn't his strongest asset, the Texas native fought four times in 2018. Two of those fights were emphatic third round finishes against Marcin Tybura and Volkov and the less we talk about his decision victory against Francis Ngannou the better.

Three victories on the trot and his transparent yet naturally jocular persona were enough to convince the UFC matchmakers to give the towering giant a push. He may have come up short against superior opposition in Cormier but Lewis ensured that his stock rose to unshakeable heights in 2018.

Currently ranked #2 amongst the Heavyweights, Lewis is on a much-deserved break and if you haven't checked out his Instagram handle yet, go do it right now. We bet it will be better than your favorite meme page.