SUMMARY
- Derrick Lewis knocked out Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC St. Louis.
- Afterward, "The Black Beast" took his celebrations to a whole new level.
The UFC’s return to St. Louis is in the books and what an event we’ve just had. Owing to some superb finishes and performances, the crowd was fully on their feet. That said, it was “The Black Beast” who closed out the show in typical Derrick Lewis fashion.
For those unaware, UFC St. Louis saw many of the ‘home team’ fighters take on their respective opponents from around the world. All in all, the fans will be walking away quite satisfied from this one, seeing that they were able to witness 5 solid finishes with 2 of them being first-minute KOs. Notably, the main talking points from the event were around the performances of Joaquin Buckley and Derrick Lewis.
The big boys are ready to put on a show! 🤩@TheBeast_UFC vs @ZeColmeiiia
[ LIVE NOW on @ESPNPlus & @ESPN | #UFCStLouis ] pic.twitter.com/JE2iK5u6AW
— UFC (@ufc) May 12, 2024
Whilst hometown hero Buckley put in a dominant performance against the tall and strong Nursulton Ruziboev, ‘The Black Beast’ was back to his usual antics once again. Known for devastating knockouts and obnoxious actions in the ring afterward, Lewis delivered yet another classic on the night. All things considered, it was a befitting ending to a very entertaining evening.
Derrick Lewis dispatched Rodrigo Nascimento to set a new KO record
For the most part, Derrick Lewis’ return to the Octagon was easily the most awaited fight all evening. Despite a poor run of form in recent times, Lewis is still widely beloved by the fans and for more reasons than one. Following a snoozefest against Jailton Almeida that saw him get completely dominated, Derrick was not going to let the same thing happen this time around.
As such, he had a much more lively start from the get-go and learning his lesson from the last fight, integrated some smart trips and takedowns into his game. Now 39, the fact that Derrick is still able to surprise the fans with new things that he has learned is a remarkable ability. That said, his opponent, Rodrigo Nascimento gave as good as he got and kept the pressure on Lewis all throughout Round 1.
DERRICK LEWIS ADDS ANOTHER KNOCKOUT TO HIS RESUME OVER RODRIGO NASCIMENTO #UFCStLouis pic.twitter.com/672s942nNM
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) May 12, 2024
In Round 2, Lewis once again stole a move from a past opponent, landing an elbow on Nascimento, similar to the one that Tai Tuivasa once used against him. Thereafter, Derrick Lewis went in for the kill early on in Round 3. After connecting his signature one-two with a massive right overhand, the Texas native pummeled his man till the fight was called. With that, Derrick, the record holder for most KO/TKOs in UFC history, extended his tally to 15.
Derrick Lewis ‘moons’ the crowd after his win at UFC St. Louis
A massive achievement to say the least, Derrick Lewis will most certainly be pleased at adding to his already impressive record. Having unleashed on his opponents with some of the most brutal finishes in UFC history, Rodrigo Nascimento might feel that he got off rather easy. However, as the fans are aware by now, Lewis was not done just yet and had to properly celebrate the occasion as well.
Following the win, Derrick hit the deck for his iconic celebration that he does after each fight. However, he was seemingly not done just yet, and once again, took off his shorts, fanning his fallen opponent, before wheeling off to celebrate. After getting rid of his cup, the fighter then proceeded to show his back to the crowd, before sliding down his underpants to flash his buttocks.
He’s not gonna… he’s not gonna…
HE DID 😭🍑 #UFCStLouis pic.twitter.com/RPWB8VoTRS
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) May 12, 2024
Speaking in the post-fight interview, Derrick Lewis stated: “I appreciate St. Louis, for letting me show my naked a** tonight.”
With his latest win, Derrick is also joint fourth with Dustin Poirier on the most finishes in UFC history list (15). Thus, his ‘special celebration’ was likely for having achieved the above-mentioned milestones. All in all, the crowd let their affection for the fighter be known and gave Derrick Lewis a loud pop to close out the night.