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That's it for Derrick Lewis who is not ready for a heavyweight title fight.
UFC President Dana White confirmed Tuesday that Lewis would face heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier in a title fight on Nov. 3 in New York.
"We are expecting news from Cormier, but we are certain of that," White told Tribune during a telephone interview Tuesday afternoon. "New York will be Cormier against" Black Beast "," Derrick Lewis "at UFC 230 at Madison Square Garden.
After taking part in the TKO title race against Alexander Volkov on Saturday, he said, according to mmajunkie.com: "I really do not think I'm ready for a title because it's five rounds. … I can barely make three turns.
When he was contacted by phone on Tuesday, Lewis clarified what he meant.
"I was just saying that I'm not ready because of my performance (in Volkov's fight)," he said. "I know I have to spend more hours at the gym instead of 30 minutes to an hour. That's basically what it was. Obviously, I have to train harder than I have been. "
Lewis said he was building his cardio running down stairs and hills and on a treadmill.
Since Saturday's victory and his post-fight interview ready for social media, White said Lewis had sparked a huge infatuation – and his supporters – and hinted that the time had come to fight with a fight in less than a month. He also stated that Cormier was "ready to respond on short notice".
White added: "Cormier is ready to leave, he is being examined by doctors to make sure he is 100% ready."
Generally, fighters must be absent for a medical expense suspension between 60 and 90 days, but Cormier is being reevaluated to be allowed to move to UFC 230.
"So, it's going to be checked and we'll know here today whether this fight is occurring or not," White said.
If so, Lewis said he had a fighting strategy in mind, "but I can never really reach my game plan. Everything is really out the window as soon as you enter an octagon.
"It's always different. So really, get ready and focus on myself. As long as I'm in better shape than previous fights … then I'll be a tough fight for anyone. "
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