UFC Nashville`s main event promised heavyweight action, and it delivered… albeit briefly. Veteran fan-favorite Derrick `The Black Beast` Lewis stepped into the octagon against Tallison Teixeira, and the highly anticipated clash concluded in just 35 seconds, adding another highlight-reel finish to Lewis`s storied career and further cementing his place in the UFC record books.
The Lightning Finish
The fight began with rapid exchanges, characteristic of the heavyweight division where one punch can end the night. Teixeira initiated with a short punch that connected, momentarily seeming to trouble Lewis and perhaps offering a fleeting glimmer of hope to his opponent and the betting public, many of whom had Lewis as the underdog.
However, the respite was momentary. Lewis, known for his explosive and fight-ending power, needed only a split second to find his range. He stepped forward and unleashed a powerful left hand. The force of the blow sent Teixeira crashing to the canvas. Lewis immediately followed up, raining down a barrage of strikes in an attempt to finish the fight. Despite Teixeira briefly managing to use the cage to regain a vertical base, Lewis continued his assault with relentless pressure. Recognizing the severity of the situation and Teixeira`s inability to intelligently defend himself, referee Jason Herzog swiftly intervened to stop the contest.
The official time: a mere 35 seconds into the opening round.
Record Extended, Odds Defied
This emphatic victory wasn`t just another win; it significantly extended Lewis`s standing as the UFC`s all-time leader in knockouts, a testament to his enduring power in a division defined by it. Adding to the narrative, Lewis entered the bout as the underdog, a position he often seems to relish, but delivered a performance that left absolutely no doubt about the outcome or his capabilities.
Post-Fight Spectacle: Business as Usual
True to form, the moments following the quick stoppage were as memorable as the fight itself, showcasing Lewis`s unique personality. In a series of events that are now almost expected from `The Black Beast`, he reportedly spoke with President Donald Trump directly after his win, a rather unusual form of immediate post-fight communication.
Following the call, he delivered a characteristic interview in the octagon – never one to shy away from blunt commentary. He expressed his feelings towards perceived pre-fight disrespect from his opponent`s camp, referring to his opponent in colorful, if somewhat crude, terms and suggesting a preference for facing opponents he deemed less challenging historically, humorously referencing “tomato cans” and “taxi cab drivers.”
His celebration continued with his signature ritual: removing his shorts and tossing his athletic cup into the crowd – a gesture met with a mixed reaction of cheers and bewildered amusement. He also mimed urination in his opponent`s corner, a demonstration perhaps intended to convey dominance or disregard, though it certainly falls outside the realm of traditional sporting decorum and leans heavily into the theatrical.
What Comes Next?
With this win, Lewis solidifies his position as a perpetual threat in the heavyweight division. His ability to end a fight with a single strike means he can compete with anyone on any given night. When asked about his next opponent in the post-fight interview, Lewis offered a response that drew significant laughs from the crowd, humorously stating he wanted to face his wife next, adding a colorful description of the anticipated encounter that was, thankfully, not a serious booking request.
Now standing at 3-1 in his last four outings, Derrick Lewis continues to prove that despite the wear and tear of a long career, his fight-ending power remains intact, making him a must-watch fighter and a formidable challenge for anyone in the heavyweight ranks. The UFC`s return to Nashville was emphatically capped off by `The Black Beast` doing exactly what he does best: knocking people out and providing unforgettable entertainment.
