Long flight, healthy food, '70s porn chest hair have Derrick Lewis ready to smash

Derrick Lewis is not happy – and that could mean scary things for Gabriel Gonzaga.

Lewis (14-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC) and Gonzaga (17-10 MMA, 12-9 UFC) meet in the co-feature of UFC Fight Night 86, which takes place today at Zagreb Arena in Zagreb, Croatia. The card airs on FOX Sports 1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

Speaking with MMAjunkie Radio, the usually affable Lewis said he was in an unusually bad mood.

“I’m ready to come home, man,” Lewis said. “There ain’t no fried chicken here. There’s KFC, but that’s baked. That’s different. … They assume I’m on a diet. It’s all healthy food around here. It makes me sick.”

Gabriel Gonzaga

It’s not only the Croatian cuisine that has Lewis ready to do damage in the octagon. The notably hairy Gonzaga’s personal grooming habits have gotten under Lewis’ skin.

“He just reminds me of an old ’70s porn with all that damn hair he’s got on his chest,” Lewis said. “I don’t like that hairy stuff. So, I’ve got to pound his face.”

Lewis, who is currently riding a two-fight winning streak, has 13 knockout victories in 14 career wins. Only five of his 18 career opponents have lasted to the third round.

His finishing skills will come into play once again, Lewis said.

“I believe I’ll still be able to finish him in the first or second round,” Lewis said. “I just believe I’ve got to watch out for the submissions. The leg lock is the main thing. I’ll probably feel him out for the first few seconds. Other than that, I’m just going to go forward.”

The 31-year-old “Black Beast” has long said he will fight anyone, anywhere. The experience of a long flight and bad food has soured Lewis on international fights, however.

He now would like to fight only in the comfortable familiarity of the U.S.

“I feel horrible right now,” Lewis said. “I don’t think I can fight internationally. Hopefully, this is my last international fight. That plane ride is too long for me. I’m afraid of heights.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 86, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.

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