Derrick Lewis Delivers Controversial TKO, Sparks Fighter Reactions at UFC on ESPN 70
Derrick Lewis made a thunderous return to the octagon at UFC on ESPN 70, reminding fans and fighters alike why he remains a major force in the heavyweight division. The 40-year-old UFC veteran dispatched previously undefeated Tallison Teixeira in just 35 seconds, earning a TKO victory that instantly drew both praise and criticism.
With the quick win, Lewis (29-12 MMA, 20-10 UFC) became just the 12th fighter in UFC history to notch 20 victories inside the Octagon. His performance at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville extended his own all-time UFC record for most knockouts.
However, it wasn’t all celebration.
Controversial Stoppage Leaves Fighters Fuming
The fight-ending sequence was met with widespread backlash due to what many viewed as a premature stoppage by the referee. While Lewis landed a few powerful shots early, several fighters and fans on X (formerly Twitter) felt Teixeira was still defending intelligently and could have continued.
“That was a horrible stoppage,” one UFC fighter tweeted.
“Let the kid fight! You can’t stop a heavyweight bout that early,” another fighter posted.
Many fighters emphasized the stakes for a prospect like Teixeira (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), arguing that losing his first professional fight in such fashion could derail momentum built over years.
Lewis Celebrates in Classic Style
Despite the controversy, Derrick Lewis stayed true to form, putting on an entertaining post-fight celebration. Known for his wild antics and fan-favorite personality, Lewis delivered another memorable Octagon moment with his shirt-off celebration, drawing laughs and cheers from the Nashville crowd.
His post-fight interview also generated buzz, as Lewis brushed off the controversy, stating, “When I hit, people fall. That’s what I do.”
What’s Next for Lewis and Teixeira?
Lewis’ dominant, if disputed, win puts him back in the heavyweight conversation, possibly opening doors for another high-profile matchup in late 2025. As for Teixeira, the UFC newcomer will now have to bounce back from his first career loss—one that many believe didn’t need to happen the way it did.
Fighter Reactions on X (Formerly Twitter)
Here’s a roundup of some of the top reactions:
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“Bad stoppage. But Lewis still dangerous at 40. Respect.”
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“Teixeira didn’t even go down. Let the fight breathe, ref!”
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“Lewis is back! But man, that ref didn’t give Teixeira a chance.”
Conclusion
While Derrick Lewis’ TKO victory at UFC on ESPN 70 adds another chapter to his storied knockout legacy, the fight will also be remembered for its controversial end. Regardless of opinions, Lewis continues to prove that age is just a number in the Octagon.
As the MMA community debates the stoppage, one thing is clear: Derrick Lewis remains must-watch TV
