Derrick Lewis Sets New Knockout Record at UFC Fight Night

News Summary

Derrick Lewis made history with a quick 35-second knockout victory over Tallison Teixeira at a recent UFC Fight Night event, bringing his total to 16 knockouts in the UFC. The event attracted over 17,000 fans and generated $2.2 million in gate revenue. Lewis, who had been out of action for 14 months, celebrated his victory with trademark flair, including a humorous interaction with President Trump. Despite controversy over the referee’s stoppage, Lewis’s impressive performance solidifies his status as an all-time knockout leader in the sport.

Nashville, Tennessee – Derrick Lewis made history on July 12 at the UFC Fight Night event held at the Bridgestone Arena, where he set a new knockout record with a swift 35-second victory over Tallison Teixeira. This win brings Lewis’s total number of knockouts in the UFC to an impressive 16.

The event drew a large audience of over 17,000 fans, generating a staggering $2.2 million at the gate. Lewis’s performance marked a significant comeback after being out of the octagon for 14 months. He entered the fight as a +250 underdog, while Teixeira was favored at -310, having boasted an undefeated record of 8-0 prior to facing Lewis.

In the opening moments of the fight, Lewis delivered a powerful left hook that quickly knocked Teixeira down, leading to the rapid stoppage by the referee. While some have raised concerns about the referee’s decision, arguing it may have been premature, UFC president Dana White emphasized the importance of fighter safety in these situations. The stoppage was discussed by referee Jason Herzog and former MMA referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy, highlighting varying perspectives on the matter.

Post-victory, Lewis celebrated in his trademark style, humorously mimicking urinating in his opponent’s corner. He also took the opportunity to contact President Donald Trump, who watched the fight remotely, with the call arranged by White. Lewis described having the president talk to him as one of the most memorable moments of his celebration.

Throughout the buildup to the fight, Lewis expressed his doubts regarding Teixeira’s previous victories, suggesting they were against lower quality competition. He criticized Teixeira for allegedly grabbing the cage to regain his footing after being knocked down, labeling the action as inappropriate.

The fight was part of a thrilling lineup at UFC Fight Night, which also featured a co-main event where Gabriel Bonfim defeated Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson by split decision. In another matchup, Steve Garcia emerged victorious with a unanimous decision against the 14th-ranked featherweight Calvin Kattar. Additionally, Morgan Charriere knocked out Clarksville native Nate Landwehr in the third round.

Other notable fights included Vitor Petrino submitting Austen Lane in under one round, while Tuco Tokkos achieved his first UFC victory by submitting Junior Tafa in the second round. Despite the excitement of the night, the controversy surrounding Lewis’s fight overshadowed some of the other bouts.

Fans in Nashville showed immense enthusiasm for the event, prompting Dana White to confirm that the city will remain a key target for future UFC events due to its vibrant fan base. Lewis himself remarked on the energy of the Nashville crowd, stating it rivaled that of his own hometown crowd in Houston.

In summary, Derrick Lewis solidified his status as the all-time knockout leader in the UFC with a rapid victory that captivated fans. Despite the controversies surrounding the fight stoppage and discussions about Teixeira’s fighting record, Lewis’s triumphant return has placed him back in the spotlight, paving the way for more exciting events in Nashville in the future.

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Additional Resources

• Tennessean: UFC Nashville Highlights
• BJPenn: Dana White Reacts to UFC Nashville
• Forbes: UFC Nashville Results
• Wikipedia: Derrick Lewis
• Google Search: UFC Nashville Results