In the unpredictable world of mixed martial arts, controversies are as common as decisive knockouts. The recent UFC Nashville main event, featuring heavyweight knockout artist Derrick Lewis against the previously undefeated Tallison Teixeira, delivered both a signature “Black Beast” finish and an immediate debate over its conclusion. Lewis secured his record-breaking 16th career UFC knockout just seconds into the first round, but the speed of the stoppage left some questioning if referee Jason Herzog had intervened too soon.
The Questionable Halt: Was the Stoppage Premature?
The fight ended abruptly after Lewis feigned being hurt, drew Teixeira in, and then landed a powerful blow that dropped his opponent. Lewis followed up with strikes, prompting the referee to wave off the contest. Teixeira quickly returned to his feet and protested the decision, fueling online discussions and leading some observers to label it an “early stoppage.” The argument centered on Teixeira appearing able to continue.
Cormier`s Defense: The Illegal Cage Grab
However, UFC commentator and former Lewis opponent Daniel Cormier offered a compelling defense of the referee`s actions during the broadcast. Cormier highlighted a critical detail that many overlooked: Teixeira illegally grabbed the fence in an attempt to pull himself back to his feet immediately after being knocked down.
“People saying there was a bad stoppage… Teixeira grabbed the case to pull himself up,” Cormier stated. He elaborated on the implications of this foul: “Referee needs to take a point. He can’t stop the finish to take the point, so you stop the fight.” The logic is clear: a fighter who is down and potentially hurt cannot use an illegal tactic, such as grabbing the cage, to recover and avoid the finish. Cormier concluded, emphasizing the referee`s difficult position and the consequence of the foul, “You can’t grab the cage to pull yourself up to your feet and then say it was a bad stoppage.” From this technical perspective, the stoppage wasn`t just about whether Teixeira was momentarily conscious, but about the foul committed during the sequence that could have unfairly altered the outcome.
Beyond the Bell: Lewis`s Unforgettable Post-Fight Antics
True to form, Derrick Lewis ensured the event would be remembered for more than just the controversial finish. Following his victory, the “Black Beast” treated the Nashville crowd to his signature, often bewildering, post-fight celebration, which included removing his fight shorts. Taking the performance a step further, Lewis mooned the audience cageside – a move he`s pulled before.
Adding a unique twist to the spectacle, Lewis claimed spectators “paid” him for the display, flashing two dollars received from the crowd and making a characteristic, albeit censored, joke about his `value` during his post-fight interview. It was a moment of classic Lewis absurdity, reminding everyone that win or lose, his appearances often come with guaranteed entertainment outside of the fight itself.
In summary, Derrick Lewis solidified his legacy as the UFC`s knockout king in Nashville. While the speed of the stoppage generated debate, Daniel Cormier`s analysis points to a crucial technical detail – Teixeira`s illegal cage grab – as a justifiable reason for the referee`s intervention. Combined with Lewis`s predictably wild post-fight show, the main event delivered a mix of technical controversy and pure, unadulterated entertainment.
