On Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Derrick Lewis extended his record for the most knockouts in UFC history by defeating Tallison Teixeira with a first-round finish. The bout’s climax saw Lewis land a powerful overhand punch that sent Teixeira crashing to the canvas, leading referee Jason Herzog to immediately stop the fight.
After initially appearing hurt during the exchange, Lewis quickly recovered and unleashed a decisive strike that ended the contest. This victory marked Lewis’ second consecutive win, as he now looks ahead to a potential matchup with No. 6 ranked Waldo Cortes Acosta, whom he called out during the ESPN post-fight broadcast.
The Controversial Knockout Celebration That Shocked Teixeira’s Team
Following the knockout, Lewis launched into his well-known celebratory routine, mimicking shooting imaginary arrows at Teixeira and performing a crotch chop reminiscent of wrestling icon DX. Yet he was not finished: Lewis then removed his shorts, dropped to all fours in front of Teixeira’s corner, and symbolically marked his territory, creating a spectacle that stunned both fans and Teixeira’s team.
During his post-fight interview, Lewis revealed that his animated reaction was fueled by the hostile trash talk he had endured from Teixeira’s corner throughout the week, saying,
“They been talking s*** all week man. Talking s*** all week. I can’t speak Portuguese but I know for sure they was talking shit.” —Derrick Lewis, UFC Fighter
This statement explained the tension seen during the weigh-in staredown the day before the fight, highlighting the simmering animosity that influenced Lewis’ response.
Gamesmanship and Strategy Behind Lewis’ Performance
Lewis also explained his tactic of briefly grabbing his eye during the bout, clarifying to the ESPN post-fight panel that it was a deliberate ploy to mislead Teixeira. This approach mirrored a similar maneuver he employed against Junior Dos Santos in 2019, designed to lull opponents into underestimating him and create openings for counterattacks.
Post-Fight Phone Call with US President Donald Trump
Immediately after his victory was confirmed by referee Jason Herzog, Lewis was seen talking on the phone while still inside the Octagon. UFC commentators revealed that he was speaking with US President Donald Trump. Following the call, Lewis returned the phone to UFC President Dana White.
This high-profile exchange suggests Lewis’ growing prominence both inside and outside the sport, with speculation mounting that he could appear at an upcoming UFC event at the White House next summer.
Judging Controversy Shadows Main Card in Nashville
While Lewis’ knockout dominated the evening’s highlights, controversy brewed over the judges’ scoring in the co-main event between Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson and Gabriel Bonfim. Observers widely felt the fight was tied entering the third round, with many fans believing Thompson edged the final round through superior striking.
However, the judges awarded the third round to Bonfim, who spent much of it controlling Thompson against the cage. This decision drew criticism because the most recent UFC scoring criteria emphasize damage over control, leading to debates over the legitimacy of the judges’ call.
Fan-driven Verdict community scorecards also favored Thompson in rounds two and three, deepening the divide between public opinion and official results. This dispute is expected to persist in MMA circles, contrasting sharply with the unanimous excitement generated by Lewis’ knockout.
Implications for Derrick Lewis and the UFC Landscape
This latest win not only cements Derrick Lewis’ status as the UFC’s knockout leader but also showcases his unpredictable in-fight psychology and flair for dramatic celebrations that captivate audiences. His provocative actions and public challenge of Waldo Cortes Acosta set the stage for a high-stakes future matchup while keeping Lewis at the center of UFC narratives.
The contrasting controversy surrounding the Thompson-Bonfim judging further highlights ongoing tensions within the sport regarding scoring standards, underscoring how decisive finishes like Lewis’ knockout serve as clear-cut moments amid subjective judging debates.