News Summary
UFC Fight Night at Bridgestone Arena showcased a record-breaking knockout by Derrick Lewis in just 35 seconds against Tallison Teixeira. The event drew over 17,000 fans and included notable moments, such as a post-fight call with Donald Trump. The success of the event highlights Nashville’s potential as a premier UFC destination. Lewis’s performance not only captivated the audience but also ignited discussions on fighter safety and the integrity of stoppages, setting a high bar for future events in the region.
Nashville Hosts UFC Fight Night with Historic Knockout and Notable Appearances
Nashville, Tennessee—The UFC held a highly anticipated Fight Night event at the Bridgestone Arena on July 12, attracting a crowd of more than 17,000 fans and generating approximately $2.2 million in ticket sales. The event was marked by a record-breaking knockout performance, a surprise celebrity interaction, and several compelling bouts across the card.
Derrick Lewis Sets New UFC Knockout Record
In the night’s main event, Derrick Lewis delivered a quick and decisive victory over Tallison Teixeira, ending the fight in just 35 seconds. This win extended Lewis’s UFC knockout record to a total of 16 and solidified his reputation as the all-time leading finisher in knockout victories within the promotion.
The bout was characterized by Lewis’s powerful left hook that quickly overwhelmed Teixeira, who entered the fight with an undefeated record of 8-0. However, Lewis dismissed Teixeira’s previous wins as against less formidable opponents, asserting that the level of competition had been insufficient to predict his dominance.
Controversy and Fight Dynamics
The fight’s ending sparked some controversy, with questions raised about the referee’s decision to stop the bout. Despite Lewis landing significant strikes and appearing to have the upper hand, some observers believed the stoppage was premature. Referee Jason Herzog justified the decision by citing concerns for fighter safety, a stance supported by findings from former MMA referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy.
During the fight, Teixeira was also accused of grabbing the cage to aid his stand-up efforts after being knocked down, with Lewis criticizing this as a “ho-ass move.” The exchange highlighted the physicality and intensity of the matchup, even amid the controversy surrounding the stoppage.
Post-Fight Highlights and Celebrity Engagement
Following his victory, Derrick Lewis celebrated by mimicking urinating in his opponent’s corner—a pre-fight signature move—drawing applause from the enthusiastic Nashville crowd. The celebration reached a new level when UFC president Dana White arranged a phone call between Lewis and former President Donald Trump, who was watching the event remotely.
Lewis expressed that the phone call with Trump was the top moment of his post-fight festivities, describing it as a very cool experience. The call drew attention to the fight’s broader cultural moments, blending sports with political and celebrity interests.
Other Notable Fights and Outcomes
In the co-main event, Gabriel Bonfim secured a split decision victory over well-known fighter Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, adding an exciting element to the evening. Additionally, Steve Garcia earned a unanimous decision win against No. 14-ranked featherweight Calvin Kattar, further accentuating the evening’s competitive spirit.
In lighter weight class action, Clarksville native Nate Landwehr was knocked out by France’s Morgan Charriere in the third round, marking a disappointing result for the hometown fighter. Also, Vitor Petrino forced Austen Lane to submit in under a minute, while Tuco Tokkos achieved his first UFC victory by submitting Junior Tafa in the second round.
Future of UFC in Nashville and Other Highlights
The event demonstrated Nashville’s potential as a key location for UFC events, with UFC president Dana White confirming that the city remains a favorite destination due to the energetic fan base. The success of this event suggests that further fights are likely to be scheduled at the venue in the future.
The night also featured other impressive performances, including notable submissions and decisions, contributing to a dynamic and engaging fight card that attracted widespread attention from fans and analysts alike.
Analysis of the Main Event and Future Implications
Derrick Lewis’s victory shifted perceptions, showcasing his staying power and ability to secure decisive finishes. His knockout achievement, surpassing previous records, cemented his status as one of the sport’s most dangerous fighters. The fight’s outcome and subsequent reactions continue to influence discussions around fighter safety, rules enforcement, and the integrity of stoppages in the UFC.
Overall, UFC Nashville provided a mix of record-setting achievements, controversial moments, and spirited competition, setting a high bar for future events in the region.
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 RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
