Explosive Victory in the Octagon

On July 12, 2025, Derrick Lewis delivered a stunning performance at UFC Nashville, securing a first-round knockout against Tallison Teixeira at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The heavyweight bout, which headlined the event, lasted a mere 35 seconds, adding yet another highlight to Lewis's record as the UFC's all-time knockout leader. The fight began with Teixeira landing an early strike to Lewis's face, momentarily staggering him. However, Lewis quickly turned the tide, unleashing a powerful left-handed punch to Teixeira's chin that sent him to the ground.

Rapid Turnaround and Finishing Blows

Following the initial blow around the 0:20 mark, Lewis capitalized on his momentum by throwing Teixeira against the fence. He then delivered a series of punishing shots to the head, leaving the referee no choice but to call the fight due to a technical knockout. This swift and decisive victory marked Lewis's first fight in over a year, showcasing his enduring power and resilience in the heavyweight division. The crowd at Bridgestone Arena erupted as Lewis solidified his reputation for explosive finishes.

Post-Fight Reactions and Controversy

In the octagon interview with Daniel Cormier, starting near the 1:00 mark, Lewis expressed his frustration at being considered an underdog heading into the fight. He highlighted past injuries as reasons for earlier setbacks and asserted his readiness to return to the octagon in a month or two to prove his worth for a title shot. Additionally, the stoppage of the fight drew some controversy among observers, though specific details of the debate were not covered in the interview itself. Lewis's focus remained on his performance and future aspirations within the UFC.

Unique Celebration Sparks Discussion

At approximately the 2:30 mark of the interview, Lewis addressed his unconventional post-fight celebration, which included a gesture of defiance toward critics. Without delving into explicit details, he made it clear that his actions were a direct response to doubters, emphasizing his disregard for negative opinions. This moment added a layer of personality to the victory, further engaging fans and media alike with his unapologetic style both in and out of the cage.

Interaction with Prominent Figures

Toward the end of the interview, around the 3:00 mark, Lewis shared details of a conversation with former President Donald Trump, who reportedly congratulated him on the win. This interaction underscored the high-profile nature of the event and Lewis's prominence within the sport. The exchange highlighted the broader attention his performance garnered beyond the immediate UFC community, cementing the fight as a memorable moment in his career.