Updated Jan. 7, 2026, 7:37 p.m. ET
Derrick Lewis’ iconic celebrations after UFC victories have now become a part of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers lore.
Following a thrilling 26-24 Week 18 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in a winner-take-all game for the AFC North title, Tomlin unleashed a chest-pounding celly punctuated with a blown kiss. As it turns out, the celebration was an homage to “The Black Beast.”
“That’s a tip of the cap to one of my favorite MMA competitors, man, Derrick Lewis. That’s his celebration,” Tomlin said on the “Rich Eisen Show.” “… I have so much respect for that human and how he goes about his business.”
Tomlin coached the Steelers to an NFL record 22nd consecutive season with a winning record, Tomlin’s 19th. It’s a record that topped the Dallas Cowboys’ record of 21 winning seasons under Tom Landry.
Now that they’re in the playoffs, the Steelers and Tomlin will look to continue the chest-pounding, coincidentally, against the UFC heavyweight Lewis’ hometown Houston Texans in the wild-card round on Monday, Jan. 12.
In case you missed Tomlin’s Lewis-inspired celly after sending Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on vacation, check out the clip below:
And while you’re in the football mood, check out some images below from that all-time thriller, which came down to missed kicks:
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