News Summary
Derrick Lewis achieved a remarkable 16th knockout victory in UFC history with a swift 35-second win over Tallison Teixeira at UFC Fight Night. The event saw over 17,000 fans at Bridgestone Arena and generated around $2.2 million in ticket sales. Lewis’s win followed a 14-month hiatus, and his celebration included a playful gesture after the fight. Controversy arose regarding the referee’s early intervention during the bout, but UFC president Dana White praised the Nashville crowd, indicating the city’s potential for future events.
Nashville, TN — Derrick Lewis solidified his status as the all-time knockout leader in the UFC by achieving a record 16th knockout with a swift 35-second victory over Tallison Teixeira at UFC Fight Night on July 12. The event, held at Bridgestone Arena, attracted a lively crowd of over 17,000 fans, generating approximately $2.2 million in ticket sales.
This convincing win marked a spectacular return for Lewis after a 14-month hiatus from the octagon. The fight concluded rapidly; Lewis landed a powerful left hook that felled Teixeira, who had entered the match with an impressive 8-0 record. However, Lewis questioned the strength of Teixeira’s previous victories, suggesting they were against less formidable opponents. Lewis criticized Teixeira for an alleged act of grabbing the cage to regain his footing after being knocked down, labeling this behavior as unprofessional.
In a colorful celebration of his victory, Lewis mimicked urinating in his opponent’s corner, a gesture that added to the spectacle of the event. The post-fight celebration continued as Lewis had a moment with former President Donald Trump, who telephoned him to congratulate him. UFC president Dana White was instrumental in facilitating this call, with Trump reportedly watching the fight remotely. Experiencing such a call from a sitting president was characterized by Lewis as a highlight of his celebration.
The undercard for the event also featured noteworthy matches. In the co-main event, Gabriel Bonfim secured a split decision win against the renowned striker Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. Steve Garcia earned a unanimous decision over No. 14-ranked featherweight Calvin Kattar, while Clarksville native Nate Landwehr unfortunately faced a knockout loss to Morgan Charriere from France in the third round. Additionally, Vitor Petrino secured a swift submission over Austen Lane in less than one round, and Tuco Tokkos clinched his first UFC victory by submitting Junior Tafa in the second round.
Although the Lewis vs. Teixeira fight was marked by an early stoppage, it sparked some controversy, with discussions about whether the referee’s intervention was premature. Referee Jason Herzog, along with former MMA referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy, reflected on the stoppage decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting fighter safety in potentially dangerous situations.
Following the event, UFC president Dana White expressed satisfaction with the Nashville fan base, affirming that the city would remain a potential target for future UFC events given the overwhelming energy displayed by the crowd. Lewis himself praised the Nashville audience, indicating that their enthusiasm was comparable to that of his loyal supporters in Houston.
Derrick Lewis’s recent performance not only enhanced his personal records within the UFC but also strategically positioned him back into competitive conversations for the heavyweight division. As Lewis continues to advance his career, his distinctive fighting style and ability to secure knockouts will likely keep fans eagerly anticipating his next appearance in the octagon.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
