Derrick Lewis delivered a stunning performance at UFC Fight Night on November 4, 2023, in Nashville, where he knocked out Tallison Teixeira just 35 seconds into their heavyweight main event. This decisive victory marks another highlight in Lewis’s lengthy career, extending his UFC record for career knockouts to an impressive 16.
The fight began explosively, with Lewis landing a powerful left hook that sent Teixeira to the canvas. Following the initial strike, Lewis unleashed a series of right hands until referee Jason Herzog stepped in to halt the contest. While Teixeira managed to rise to his feet after the first blow, the onslaught of unanswered strikes made Herzog’s decision to stop the fight understandable.
Controversy Surrounds Stoppage Decision
Teixeira, a 25-year-old prospect from Brazil, expressed dissatisfaction with the referee’s decision, arguing that he could have continued after recovering from the knockdown. His complaint reflects a common tension in combat sports regarding the balance between fighter safety and the potential for recovery during a match.
In the post-fight interview, Lewis addressed the pre-fight banter from Teixeira’s corner, stating, “They been talking s— all week. I can’t speak much Portuguese, but I knew they was talking s— about me.” He further expressed his belief that Teixeira had faced less experienced opponents throughout his career.
The fight not only showcased Lewis’s striking power but also his characteristic showmanship. Following his victory, he infamously removed his fight shorts in the Octagon, a move reminiscent of his antics at UFC 229 in 2018. Adding to the spectacle, Lewis appeared to take a phone call from former U.S. President Donald Trump on the phone of UFC CEO Dana White.
Lewis’s Path to Title Contention
This win is particularly significant for Lewis as he continues to bounce back from a challenging period in his career. After experiencing a three-fight losing streak from 2022 to 2023, he has returned to form, boasting a record of 3-1 in his last four fights, with all three wins coming by way of knockout. His only defeat in this span was a decision loss to fellow contender Jailton Almeida in November 2023.
Despite being a significant underdog entering the bout, Lewis’s experience and knockout power proved decisive against Teixeira, who now holds a record of 1-1 inside the Octagon after this encounter. As Lewis continues to climb the heavyweight ranks, fans eagerly anticipate his next steps in pursuit of a title shot.
