Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

Image: John Brannigan/Sherdog.com illustration

Derrick Lewis was a little too much, too soon for Tallison Teixeira.

“The Black Beast” made short work of the towering Brazilian in the UFC Nashville headliner at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday night, winning via technical knockout just 35 seconds in the opening stanza. While referee Jason Herzog’s stoppage left something to be desired, it was still a demonstration of how dangerous and entertaining Lewis can be when given the right matchup.

Lewis has won back-to-back outings and three of his last four overall — all, coincidentally, against Brazilian opponents. While he has struggled against higher-ranked competition in recent years, that run of success is enough for him to rise two spots to No. 12 in what remains a shallow heavyweight division. Given his popularity, don’t be surprised if another victory propels the Houston native back into championship contention.

Note: Previous rankings listed in brackets.

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