UFC Nashville recently witnessed a heavyweight clash that concluded with extraordinary speed. Fan-favorite knockout artist Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis secured a victory over Tallison Teixeira via knockout in just 35 seconds. While the swift finish was impressive in itself, the post-fight revelation from Lewis added a significant layer of intrigue, highlighting a calculated tactic employed in the fight`s opening moments.
The fight began with immediate action. During an early exchange, Teixeira landed a strike. Lewis reacted visibly, appearing to be hurt, specifically gesturing towards his eye as if experiencing a vision issue or irritation. This display of apparent vulnerability seemed to signal to Teixeira an opportunity to press his advantage and move in for a potential finish.
However, according to Lewis`s own admission after the bout, this reaction was not indicative of genuine injury but a deliberate feint – a strategic act of “playing possum.” Lewis stated that he was intentionally acting hurt to encourage Teixeira to close the distance. His goal was to draw the taller opponent within range for one of his devastating power punches. He even noted that his initial act didn`t quite bring Teixeira close enough the first time, leading him to “really trying to sell it” further.
The deception proved effective. As Teixeira advanced, seemingly convinced that Lewis was compromised, Lewis unleashed a powerful winging right hand. The strike connected, dropping Teixeira and leading to the rapid stoppage by the referee. The maneuver, though potentially risky, paid off decisively, demonstrating Lewis`s fight IQ extends beyond raw power.
In characteristic Derrick Lewis fashion, the brevity of the fight was starkly contrasted by the length and eccentricity of his post-fight celebration. Following the knockout, Lewis engaged in his signature ritual of removing his shorts. This was followed by him mimicking urination in Teixeira`s corner, a gesture he described as “marking his territory” with a typical deadpan delivery. The spectacle continued as he removed his protective cup and threw it into the crowd. His subsequent interview further cemented the event`s bizarre nature, including a joke about his next opponent being his wife and the fight strategy involving “ground and pound.”
The UFC Nashville bout serves as a unique entry in Lewis`s career highlight reel. It showcased his fight-ending power in a mere half-minute and revealed a tactical layer often overlooked – the willingness to use deception as a tool to create opportunities. Coupled with his reliably outlandish post-fight antics, the event underscored why “The Black Beast” remains one of the most compelling, unpredictable, and, arguably, strategically cunning figures in the heavyweight division.
Rupert Hartwell