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.
Lewis appreciated the gesture and he reposted video of Tomlin paying homage to him with a simple “thanks coach” on Instagram.
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.