Derrick Lewis Smashes UFC Knockout Record with 35-Second
Nashville, TN – July 13, 2025 – Derrick Lewis, the UFC’s heavyweight knockout king, added another chapter to his legendary career at UFC Nashville, demolishing Tallison Teixeira in just 35 seconds to claim his 16th UFC knockout, a new promotional record. The electrifying finish at Bridgestone Arena solidified Lewis’ status as one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA history.
A Record-Breaking Knockout
In the main event of UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Teixeira, the 40-year-old “Black Beast” faced undefeated Brazilian prospect Tallison Teixeira, who entered with an 8-0 record and a reputation for first-round finishes. Despite being a significant betting underdog (+250), Lewis turned the tables early. After Teixeira landed a jab that briefly compromised Lewis’ eye, the Houston native unleashed a devastating left hook, dropping Teixeira to the canvas. A barrage of ground-and-pound followed, forcing referee Jason Herzog to stop the fight at just 0:35 of Round 1.
This victory marked Lewis’ 16th knockout in the UFC, extending his all-time record and bringing his career record to 29-12, with 24 wins by KO/TKO. The win also ended Teixeira’s undefeated streak, proving Lewis remains a formidable force in the heavyweight division.
Signature Post-Fight Antics
True to form, Lewis celebrated in his trademark style. After the stoppage, he removed his fight shorts, mooned the Nashville crowd, and tossed his protective cup into the audience, delighting fans with his unfiltered personality. In his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, Lewis quipped about wanting to “ground and pound” with his wife, drawing laughs from the crowd. He also called out Teixeira’s corner for trash-talking, saying, “They been talking s— all week. I can’t speak much Portuguese, but I knew they was talking s— about me.”
Congratulatory Call from Donald Trump
Adding to the night’s spectacle, Lewis received a congratulatory phone call from former U.S. President Donald Trump, facilitated by UFC CEO Dana White. While Trump was not the sitting president in 2025, his call—made moments after the official decision was announced—sparked buzz across social media. Lewis humorously described their conversation as “classified” during the post-fight press conference, fueling speculation about a potential UFC event at the White House in 2026.
Lewis’ Path to Title Contention
With this win, Lewis (20-10 in the UFC) continues his resurgence after a 0-3 skid from 2022 to 2023. Now 3-1 in his last four fights, all by knockout, he’s re-entered the heavyweight title conversation. Lewis called out No. 6-ranked contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta for his next fight, though Cortes-Acosta is booked against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC Shanghai. A title shot against champion Tom Aspinall could be in Lewis’ future with one or two more wins.
Why This Matters
Derrick Lewis’ performance at UFC Nashville underscores his enduring appeal and knockout prowess. His ability to defy odds against younger prospects like Teixeira, combined with his larger-than-life personality, keeps him a fan favorite and a key figure in the UFC’s heavyweight division. As the promotion eyes big plans for 2026, including a potential White House event, Lewis’ star power remains undeniable.
Watch the Highlights
Relive the action from UFC Nashville, including Lewis’ record-setting knockout, on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass. Stay tuned to NRIGlobe.com for the latest UFC news, fight highlights, and exclusive MMA content.
Tags: Derrick Lewis, UFC Nashville, Tallison Teixeira, UFC Knockout Record, Heavyweight MMA, Donald Trump, UFC Fight Night, MMA News
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