TLDR
- Derrick Lewis claims UFC provided him with peptides that put him in the best shape of his life
- UFC’s Jeff Novitzky clarified Lewis received legal third-party tested compounds, not banned peptides
- Lewis’s coach Bob Perez praised the rapid recovery effects of the substances
- Lewis faces Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas
- The 40-year-old Lewis holds the UFC record with 16 career knockouts
Sources: EssentiallySports | Yardbarker | Sherdog | MiddleEasy
Derrick Lewis says he is in the best shape of his life thanks to substances provided by the UFC ahead of his fight at UFC 324 on January 24. The heavyweight fighter made the claim on “The Beast and the Cowboy” podcast, though his comments sparked immediate confusion and clarification from the promotion.
“I ain’t gonna lie to you, I’m in the best shape of my life right now,” Lewis said. “Mentally, physically, everything’s going great right now. The UFC provided me with some great peptides, and I’ve been taking it every day, and I’ve been feeling the difference.”
Lewis did not specify which substance he received from the UFC. This matters because most peptides are banned under the UFC’s anti-doping policy, which prohibits their use at all times.
UFC Clarifies Legal Status of Substances
UFC senior vice president of athlete health and performance Jeff Novitzky quickly responded on social media to correct the record. He stated that Lewis did not receive peptides but instead received third-party tested injectable compounds that are allowed under UFC rules.
Derrick Lewis turns 41 y.o. in two weeks.
I don't think he beats someone like Waldo who has never been knocked out.
Don't be surprised if Waldo Cortes-Acosta fights for a title in 2026 👀 @rainbetcom pic.twitter.com/aLebcon7bZ
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 19, 2026
“UFC did NOT provide Derrick Lewis with peptides,” Novitzky wrote on Twitter. “Peptides are prohibited at all times under UFC and athletic commissions’ rules. Derrick is referring to injectable compounds that are 3rd party tested and certified as ALLOWED AT ALL TIMES.”
The confusion highlights the complexity of supplement regulations in combat sports. Mohammed Usman, brother of former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, recently received a 30-month suspension for testing positive for the peptide BPC-157, which aids muscle healing and recovery.
Lewis’s head coach Bob Perez also discussed the substances on the podcast, using the term “peptides” as well. He praised the dramatic effects he observed during training camp.
“His recovery was stupid,” Perez said. “We did his three fives, and you know, generally on Fridays, the lightest days, he’d go to strength and conditioning. But he wanted to do some heavy bag work after, and I was like, please. Let’s go.”
Lewis Predicts First-Round Knockout
Perez said he was “mind blown” by how quickly the compounds took effect. “It’s gonna be a game changer for him,” the coach added. Perez also noted improved mental clarity, saying Lewis responded to coaching adjustments “like a video game.”
The 40-year-old Lewis will face Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324 in Las Vegas. Lewis enters the fight with a 29-12 record and is riding back-to-back knockout victories. He holds the UFC record for most knockouts with 16.
“For sure. 100-percent (someone is getting knocked out),” Lewis told TNT Sports. “And I believe it’s going to be the first exchange. I’m going to knock him out in the first exchange.”
Lewis admitted he has not studied his opponent extensively. “I really don’t watch too many fights, so I don’t know if he’s been on my radar or not,” he said. “I can’t even tell you because I really haven’t watched none of his fights.”
Cortes-Acosta enters the bout with a 16-2 record and went 4-1 across five fights in 2025. The fight takes place at the first UFC event broadcast on Paramount+ and CBS.
