Heavyweights headline the UFC’s return to St. Louis, Missouri.
The promotion’s “Knockout King” is back as Derrick Lewis draws a new contender in the baddest division of them all. In his 11th main event, Lewis faces Brazil’s Rodrigo Nascimento, the #15 ranked heavyweight in the world.
Round 1:
Lewis throws a headkick right away as Nascimento returns fire. The heavyweights meet in the clinch and Lewis works his dirty boxing. They break before re-entering the position, but this time Lewis is able to snag a sneaky takedown on the Brazilian. Nascimento doesn’t take long to get back on his feet. They fight for position in the clinch against the cage. They break after a moment.
Lewis throws a big right hand. Nascimento clinches up with Lewis and is met with some resistance, several punches from Lewis. Nascimento manages to take Lewis down to the ground with a trip. Nascimento stays busy enough with his ground and pound to not lose the position. Lewis eventually reverses position with seconds left on the clock.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Lewis
Round 2:
The American opens up the second round with looping hooks. Nascimento tries to meet Lewis in the clinch, but is met with a swarm of punches instead. With a target on his head, Nascimento does find his way into the clinch with Lewis. They break but go back to the position with Lewis timing an uppercut in an exchange. Whenever he finds space, Lewis clips Nascimento with more follow-up shots. Lewis keeps firing away before attempting a takedown on Nascimento. It’s not the best entry though as Nascimento snatches his back, looking to make something happen. Nascimento works his way into top control and rains down elbows and punches on Lewis.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Lewis
Round 3:
Nascimento receives a jumping kick to the body. Lewis sets up a devastating overhand right to send Nascimento down to the canvas. More and more shots land for Lewis as Nascimento tries to survive but the referee has seen more than enough to stop the contest. Another KO for the king.
Official result: Derrick Lewis defeats Rodrigo Nascimento via TKO (punches) in round 3 (0:49)
Check out the results below:
"Ladies and gentlemen, THIS IS the main event of the evening!"#UFCStLouis | @BruceBuffer pic.twitter.com/XCkioMT4vQ
— UFC (@ufc) May 12, 2024
THE KNOCKOUT KING DOES IT AGAIN 👑@TheBeast_UFC gets the 3rd round KO at #UFCStLouis pic.twitter.com/lPEUX6WxiY
— UFC (@ufc) May 12, 2024
"I appreciate St. Louis, for letting me show my naked ass tonight."@TheBeast_UFC | #UFCStLouis pic.twitter.com/8yf7fc1PI0
— UFC (@ufc) May 12, 2024
He's not gonna… he's not gonna…
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) May 12, 2024
HE DID 😭🍑 #UFCStLouis pic.twitter.com/RPWB8VoTRS
