Derrick Lewis made headlines at UFC Nashville with a swift knockout victory over Tallison Teixeira and received a notable phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump in the Octagon following the announcement of his win. The lightweight fighter extended his record for the most knockouts in UFC history during this event.
Explosive Victory at UFC Nashville Secures Derrick Lewis’s Knockout Record
Just moments into his bout against Tallison Teixeira, Derrick Lewis landed a powerful left hand that sent Teixeira to the mat. Although Teixeira got back on his feet, Lewis quickly overwhelmed him with heavy follow-up strikes, forcing a rapid conclusion to the fight. This knockout win further cemented Lewis’s standing in the heavyweight division as a leading contender for the title.
By overcoming a rising star like Teixeira at UFC Nashville, Lewis maintained his place among the top heavyweights. The quick finish highlighted Lewis’s ability to decisively end fights early, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in UFC history.
Unforgettable Post-Fight Moments Include a Presidential Phone Call
Derrick Lewis is known as much for his entertaining antics as for his fighting skills, and his post-fight behavior at UFC Nashville was no exception. After his victory, Lewis undressed partially and mooned the crowd, adding a theatrical touch to the night. During the post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, he also called out to his wife, blending humor and personality.
The most surprising moment, however, came when UFC CEO Dana White handed Lewis a phone call from then-President Donald Trump. White recounted at the press conference,
“Derrick came over and said ‘Where’s the President?’”
and added,
“And I said he’s not here tonight, but he’s watching. And I got him on the phone and put him on the phone.”
Lewis jokingly described their conversation as “classified.”
This unexpected Oval Office interaction took place as the official fight result was announced by cage announcer Bruce Buffer, underscoring the cross-section of entertainment, politics, and sports at the event. Trump, an avid UFC follower, has a history of engaging with fights and fighters, and this call adds to that legacy.
Derrick Lewis’s Future Prospects and UFC Plans with the White House
Following his latest triumph, Derrick Lewis appears to be one or two wins away from another possible heavyweight title opportunity. Current champion Tom Aspinall is expected to return later this year, though his opponent remains unconfirmed. Lewis has publicly challenged sixth-ranked contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta for his next fight, despite Cortes-Acosta’s scheduled bout with Sergei Pavlovich at UFC Shanghai.
Cortes-Acosta has built momentum with a five-fight winning streak, which includes victories over former champion Andrei Arlovski and rising star Serghei Spivac. Lewis’s recent victories over Rodrigo Nascimento and Marcos Rogerio de Lima have revitalized his pursuit after a defeat to Jailton Almeida on short notice at UFC Sao Paulo in 2023.
There is also an exciting development surrounding UFC and political landmarks, as Dana White has confirmed plans for a potential UFC event at The White House in 2026. This aligns with the ongoing connection between the UFC and the U.S. government, highlighted by moments like Lewis’s call from President Trump.