News Summary
Derrick Lewis achieved a record-breaking knockout in Nashville during UFC Fight Night, defeating Tallison Teixeira in just 35 seconds. The event, held at Bridgestone Arena, drew over 17,000 fans and generated $2.2 million in ticket sales. Lewis showcased his striking power, reaffirming his status as the all-time knockout leader in UFC history. The swift victory sparked debates on referee decisions and fighter safety, while the enthusiastic crowd solidified Nashville’s future in hosting UFC events.
Nashville Hosts Record-Breaking UFC Fight Night with Derrick Lewis’s Dominant Knockout
Nashville, Tennessee — Derrick Lewis set a new UFC knockout record with a rapid victory over Tallison Teixeira, claiming his 16th knockout win in just 35 seconds during UFC Fight Night at Bridgestone Arena on July 12. The event attracted a large crowd of over 17,000 fans and generated approximately $2.2 million in ticket sales.
Record-Setting Knockout and Notable Fight Details
Lewis, known as the all-time knockout leader in the UFC, delivered a powerful left hook that quickly ended the fight. It was his first appearance in the octagon after a 14-month hiatus. The win extended his record for most knockouts in UFC history, reaffirming his status as a top striker in the heavyweight division.
The bout was over in just over half a minute, marking one of the fastest finishes in the UFC this year. Teixeira, who entered the fight with an 8-0 record, was considered an underdog but faced a swift defeat. Lewis targeted Teixeira with effective strikes from the start, culminating in the decisive left hook that knocked his opponent out. Despite the quick finish, some controversy arose over the referee’s decision to stop the fight, with opinions divided about whether the stoppage was premature or appropriate for fighter safety.
Post-Fight Celebrations and Political Call
After his victory, Lewis engaged in a celebratory gesture by mimicking urination in Teixeira’s corner—a display often used by Lewis during celebrations. He also conducted a phone call to President Donald Trump, who was watching remotely. The call was facilitated by UFC president Dana White, who confirmed that Trump was tuned into the fight in real time. Lewis described the moment as the top highlight of his celebration, expressing excitement about speaking with the former president.
Lewis’s Comments and Fighter Critiques
Prior to the fight, Lewis criticized Teixeira’s undefeated record, suggesting that the win streak was achieved against less challenging opponents. During the bout, Lewis accused Teixeira of grabbing the cage to aid his movement after being knocked down, calling the action a “ho-ass move” and highlighting his own dominance during the fight.
Enthusiastic Nashville Crowd and Future UFC Events
The event’s atmosphere was energized, with Lewis comparing the Nashville crowd’s excitement to that of his hometown fans in Houston. UFC president Dana White expressed confidence that Nashville will remain a key location for future UFC events, citing the passionate fan base and success of the event.
Other Notable Fights and Outcomes
- Gabriel Bonfim defeated Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson via split decision in the co-main event.
- Steve Garcia earned a unanimous decision victory over Calvin Kattar.
- Local fighter Nate Landwehr suffered a knockout loss in the third round to France’s Morgan Charriere.
- Vitor Petrino submitted Austen Lane in under one round.
- Tuco Tokkos secured his first UFC win with a submission against Junior Tafa in the second round.
Referee Decisions and Safety Concerns
The stoppage during Lewis’s fight with Teixeira sparked debate. Referee Jason Herzog explained that the decision was made out of concern for the fighters’ safety after Lewis delivered clean strikes. Experienced MMA officials and analysts discussed whether the stoppage was justified or came too early, emphasizing the importance of fighter protection in high-stakes bouts.
Odds and Betting Highlights
Leading up to the fight, Derrick Lewis was considered a +250 underdog by betting lines, but his swift knockout victory boosted his reputation. Conversely, Teixeira was favored at around -310, reflecting betting confidence in his undefeated status prior to the fight.
Conclusion
The Nashville event stood out as a significant night in UFC history, marked by Derrick Lewis’s record-breaking knockout, engaging crowd atmosphere, and the presence of high-profile moments like the call to President Trump. The success of the event has secured Nashville’s position as a future hotspot for the UFC, with fans and fighters alike expressing enthusiasm for upcoming bouts in the city.
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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
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