News Summary
Nashville experienced a thrilling UFC Fight Night as Derrick Lewis achieved a record-breaking knockout over Tallison Teixeira in just 35 seconds. This victory marked Lewis’s 16th knockout in UFC history. With a crowd of over 17,000 spectators and $2.2 million in ticket sales, Nashville showcased its growing support for mixed martial arts. The event also featured other exciting bouts, proving the city’s potential as a hub for future UFC events and leaving fans eager for more.
Nashville witnessed a historic moment in mixed martial arts on July 12 when Derrick Lewis achieved a record-breaking knockout victory over Tallison Teixeira in just 35 seconds at UFC Fight Night. This lightning-fast win allowed Lewis to extend his record for the most knockouts in UFC history to 16, adding yet another highlight to his impressive career.
The fight was hosted at the Bridgestone Arena, which boasted an attendance of over 17,000 spectators. Tickets sales from the event generated an impressive $2.2 million at the gate, underscoring Nashville’s growing appetite for the sport.
After his victory, Lewis celebrated in his uniquely flamboyant style, playfully mimicking urinating in Teixeira’s corner before taking the opportunity to call former President Donald Trump. The UFC president, Dana White, facilitated this call, with Trump watching the match remotely. Lewis later expressed that the conversation with Trump was a standout moment, marking it as a memorable part of his post-fight celebration.
In the bout, Lewis showed little concern for Teixeira’s earlier 8-0 record, which Lewis suggested was built against less formidable opponents. He characterized Teixeira’s prior wins as unimpressive, critiquing him for allegedly holding onto the cage in an effort to regain his footing after being knocked down. Lewis labeled this as a “ho-ass move,” reflecting his disdain for the tactic.
This fight represented a significant return for Lewis, who had been sidelined for 14 months. Coming into the match, he was considered a +250 underdog, while Teixeira was favored at -310. The surprising speed of Lewis’s victory, delivered by a powerful left hook, caught many by surprise, proving his readiness to reestablish himself in the division.
The Nashville crowd, which Lewis praised for its vibrant energy, showcased their enthusiasm throughout the event, leading Dana White to confirm that the venue will be a target for future UFC events given its supportive fan base. White’s positive feedback signals a growing relationship between the UFC and Nashville, reinforcing the city’s potential as a hub for mixed martial arts.
The co-main event of the evening featured Gabriel Bonfim defeating notable fighter Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson by split decision, contributing to the high stakes and excitement of the card. In another significant result, Steve Garcia claimed a unanimous decision victory against No. 14-ranked Calvin Kattar, while Clarksville native Nate Landwehr faced a knockout defeat against France’s Morgan Charriere in the third round.
Additionally, fighters Vitor Petrino and Tuco Tokkos showcased their skills with notable submissions in under one round and the second round, respectively, marking their first victories in the UFC.
However, the fight between Lewis and Teixeira sparked some controversy regarding the referee’s stoppage, with debates arising over whether the call was made too early despite Lewis landing clear and powerful strikes. Referee Jason Herzog, along with former MMA referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy, engaged in discussions about the importance of fighter safety and the rationale behind the stoppage, which ultimately concluded the match and assured Lewis’s victory.
Overall, UFC Fight Night in Nashville not only highlighted Derrick Lewis’s astounding capabilities as a fighter but also established the city as a competitive venue for future boxing and MMA events, leaving fans and fighters alike eager for what is next to come.
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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 CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga 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 Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
