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“LOL Thanks, Coach”: Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Tips His Cap To UFC Star Derrick Lewis After Ravens Win

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Mike Tomlin and Derrick Lewis
Mike Tomlin and Derrick Lewis (Photo by Imagn Images)

There is no doubt that whenever there is a crossover between sports, even through references and gestures, it goes viral. Now, Mike Tomlin celebrated the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season-ending victory over the Ravens by beating his chest and blowing a kiss. Fight fans immediately recognized the celebration, as he was copying Derrick Lewis’ signature move. Later, the head coach confirmed it was a tribute to the UFC veteran.

In an interview with Rich Eisen, Tomlin explained it was a tip of the cap to one of his favorite MMA competitors. He’s genuinely a fan of Lewis and his celebration style. In his words, “That’s a tip of the cap to one of my favourite MMA competitors, Derrick Lewis. That’s his celebration.” To which Lewis replied, “Lol, Thanks Coach.”

Lewis, a two-time UFC title challenger at 40 years old, holds a 20-10 record with 16 knockouts. He’s famous for explosive finishes, animated celebrations, and hilarious post-fight interviews that make him a fan favorite beyond just winning.

But Tomlin’s fandom goes deeper than just the entertainment. He respects how Lewis goes about his business as a person, not just as a fighter. That character appreciation from the NFL’s longest-tenured head coach is meaningful praise. Meanwhile, Lewis is set to fight at UFC 324.

Derrick Lewis Set to Fight Against Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324

Tragedy Strikes as Derrick Lewis Pulls Out of UFC Showdown
Derrick Lewis (Image Credits: Getty Images)

Lewis and Cortes-Acosta event streams on Paramount+ as part of the new broadcast deal. Lewis brings serious momentum with two straight first-round knockouts. He demolished Tallison Teixeira in just 35 seconds back in July 2025. The Black Beast is hunting finishes like always.

Cortes-Acosta had an incredibly active 2025 despite the loss to Sergei Pavlovich in August. He bounced back strongly with two first-round knockouts in November alone, stopping Ante Delija, then knocking out Shamil Gaziev just 21 days later.

That activity level is insane for a heavyweight. Fighting twice in three weeks shows Waldo’s conditioning and durability, plus his willingness to stay busy when most heavyweights take months between bouts.

Both fighters love knockouts and finish fights violently. Lewis has 16 KO/TKO wins in the UFC, while Cortes-Acosta just proved his power with back-to-back quick finishes. This fight probably won’t go to a decision.

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