Derrick Lewis (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staf

Derrick Lewis has established himself as one of the top heavyweights in the UFC. But, the powerful fighter believes he would have won a title already, if not for previous issues he had with his back.

The 33 year-old Lewis (20-5) joined the UFC back in 2014, and since then, he’s gone 11-3. Up next, Lewis will take on Alexander Volkov at UFC 229, October 6th. The fight will come after Lewis has undergone a series of treatments for a back injury, which has nagged him for years.

Recently Lewis spoke with MMA Junkie, and while doing so, he had this to say about the treatments he’s received for his back.

“I was 100 percent yesterday,” Lewis said. “I was taking it slow the last week, but I really turned it up yesterday, and it was feeling real good.”

“I feel like if I had done this a couple of years ago, I would have been champion. I believe I would have dominated a lot of my fights. To say I’ve been winning with the type of injury I’ve been dealing with, it’s been a blessing. Now, hopefully the fans really see my potential.”

Lewis is coming off a decision win over Francis Ngannou at UFC 226 last month, while Volkov (30-6) hasn’t competed since March, when he knocked out Fabricio Werdum.

UFC 229 will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada.