Derrick Lewis controversially stopped Tallison Teixeira within seconds in the main event of UFC Nashville on Saturday night.
As recently as last September, the undefeated Brazilian hadn’t even made his name on Dana White’s Contender Series. But with eight first round finishes including a stunner over Justin Tafa within 35 seconds of his debut, Teixeira was fast-tracked to a main event slot and a top ten opponent.
Teixieira travelled to Nashville to take on a Lewis more motivated than ever who looked in peak shape at a 10-year low as the pair weighed in. And in a heavyweight division with few challengers for Tom Aspinall’s newly-minted title, both men knew a win would place them in solid stead for a title run.
Derrick Lewis vs Tallison Teixeira UFC Nashville result
After a three-month training camp, Derrick Lewis almost looked emotional as he made his return to the cage for the first time since May of last year. Across the octagon from him stood the gigantic knockout artist Tallison Teixeira, who had never been out of the first round in his entire career.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
A disrespectful glove tap from Lewis kicked off the contest, and the ‘Black Beast’ quickly rose to land a flying body kick. After being hurt by Teixeira, he landed a massive bomb that dropped the Brazilian.
And after a flurry of punches, it seemed Teixeira was getting to his feet. But the fight was quickly stopped by referee Jason Herzog.
As a result, Teixeira’s undefeated record disappeared in a bit of controversy as Lewis headed to cageside to ask Dana White for a title fight as he took off his trunks in his customary celebration. He even received a call from President Donald Trump immediately inside the octagon following his win.
Derrick Lewis was lightest in years for Tallison Teixeira showdown
In an effort to finally live up to his massive power punching potential, Derrick Lewis truly put in the work in preparation for this UFC Nashville headliner. He tipped the scales at 261lb for the fight, marking his first time at such a low weight since his UFC debut over a decade prior.
Lewis is known for his ferocious knockout punches, but also struggling with his weight and often coming in out of shape for fights. He infamously has asked to not headline events in the hopes that he can avoid a five round fight.
But he looked tremendous as he stepped on the scales on Friday afternoon. Teixeira, despite being four inches taller actually weighed two pounds less as the pair faced off and their size difference became truly apparent.