Derrick Lewis Scores 35-Second Knockout at UFC Fight Night in Nashville
Monster Energy’s Derrick Lewis extends his UFC knockout record with a first-round finish over Tallison Teixeira in front of a sold-out crowd at Bridgestone Arena.
Monster Energy’s Derrick Lewis delivered another unforgettable performance, knocking out Tallison Teixeira just 35 seconds into the first round at UFC Fight Night in Nashville. The 40-year-old heavyweight from New Orleans, Louisiana, added to his legacy by extending his all-time UFC record to 16 knockout victories.
The main event bout took place in front of a sold-out crowd of over 17,000 fans at Bridgestone Arena, with the action broadcast live on ESPN+. The event featured six main card fights, but it was Lewis who stole the spotlight with his trademark power and precision.
Coming off a win against Rodrigo Nascimento in May 2024, Lewis entered the Octagon with momentum. His opponent, 25-year-old Brazilian rising star Tallison Teixeira, had earned a Performance of the Night bonus in his UFC debut earlier this year and was looking to continue his undefeated streak.
The fight opened with immediate intensity. Lewis landed a powerful body kick but took a jab to the face that briefly affected his vision. As Teixeira moved in to capitalize, Lewis unleashed a devastating counterattack. A heavy left hook connected flush to the chin, sending Teixeira crashing to the canvas. A brief ground-and-pound sequence followed before referee Jason Herzog stepped in to stop the fight at just 0:35 of Round 1.
“I know if I throw anything at anybody, no matter what it is, I know that they’re going to go down!” said Lewis after the fight.
With this victory, Lewis improves his professional record to 29-12, with 24 wins by knockout or TKO. The performance further cements his reputation as the most dangerous knockout artist in UFC history.
Looking ahead, speculation is already building around a potential title shot against current UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall. After a dominant showing in Nashville, Lewis may be closer than ever to another run at UFC gold.
Stay tuned for updates on Derrick Lewis and more Monster Energy athletes competing at the highest level of MMA.