In a fight between knockouts, Tai Tuivasa gets the upper hand and brutally erases Derrick Lewis at UFC 271

T. Tuivasa knocked out D. Lewis in the UFC 271. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

In the most important fight of his career to date, Tai tuivasa survived a real battle against Derrick Lewis. In a knockout fight, in the co-main clash of UFC 271, held this Saturday (12), in Houston (USA), the Australian showed power of reaction and, in turn, won a brutal victory in the second round. After a frank exchange, the combatant got the upper hand and 'erased' his rival, creating a strong scene.

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Facing one of the most dangerous heavyweight athletes (up to 120,2kg), Tuivasa was successful in his biggest test since his Ultimate debut. With the positive result, the Australian extended his good momentum, reaching five consecutive victories.

A promise from the organization, Tai entered the octagon as 11th in the ranking of the category led by Francis Ngannou. Now, after defeating the former title challenger, the fighter should jump into the top 5 of the group.

Famous for massacring opponents in the octagon, Derrick ended up tasting his own medicine in Ultimate. With the stumble, the 'giant' moves away from a new fight for the title and is unable to achieve his second consecutive victory.

The fight

The confrontation began with the athletes studying each other in the center of the Octagon. Tuivasa took the initiative with two low kicks, while Lewis saved his attacks. When Derrick launched the first blow, Tuivasa shortened his grip and began to press the 'giant' against the bars. Without much action, the referee removed the stars and the duel was fought again in the center of the octagon. Two minutes later, the American threw a cross, which knocked his opponent off balance. Afterwards, Lewis got closer and started trying for a takedown. Tai defended himself well and managed to reverse the position, pressing his opponent against the bars. In another twist, Derrick got the takedown and was in an advantageous position over his opponent. The Australian managed to stay on his feet, but received a combination of 'bombs' from his rival. Tuivasa accepted the exchange and responded in kind. After the moment of aggression, Derrick took down his opponent again. Again, the Australian got up and pressed his opponent against the bars, but there was no more time.

In the second round, Lewis knocked his opponent off balance in the first minute, with a series of punches. Derrick shortened it and tried the takedown again. Tuivasa managed to get away and the athletes returned to their frank exchanges. With powerful attacks, Tai got the upper hand and achieved a brutal knockout, erasing the former heavyweight title challenger.

UFC 271 results

MAIN CARD

Average weight: Israel adesanya derrotou Robert whittaker in the unanimous decision of the judges (50-45, 48-47, 49-46) – Fight for the belt

Heavyweight: Tai tuivasa derrotou Derrick Lewis by knockout at 1m40s of R2

Average weight: Jared Cannonier derrotou Derek Brunson by technical knockout at 4m29s

Lightweight: Renato Moicano derrotou Alexander Hernandez via submission (rear naked choke) at 1m23s of R2

Lightweight: Bobby Green derrotou Nasrat Haqparast in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27,30-27,30-27)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Heavyweight: Andrei Arlovski derrotou Jared Vanderaa in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Fly weight: Casey O'Neill defeated Roxanne Modafferi via split decision (29-28,28-29,29-28)

Bantamweight: Kyler Phillips derrotou Marcelo red via submission (armbar) at 1m48s of R3

Light Heavyweight: Carlos Ulberg derrotou Fabio Cherant in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27,30-27,30-27)

Bantamweight: Ronnie Lawrence defeated Mana Martinez via unanimous decision (29-27,29-28,29-28)

Average weight: Jacob Malkoun derrotou  AJ Dobson in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28,29-28, 29-28)

Bantamweight: Douglas D'Silva derrotou Sergey Morozov via submission (rear naked choke) at 3m24s of R2

Welterweight Weight: Jeremiah Wells defeated Blood Diamond via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:38 of R1

Heavyweight: Maxim grishin derrotou William knight in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27,30-27,30-27)