Derrick Lewis KOs Rodrigo Nascimento, in vintage fashion takes his shorts off moons the crowd

Rodrigo Nascimento, the rising Brazilian prospect, presented a formidable challenge, his grappling prowess a potential kryptonite for the heavy-handed Lewis. Yet, from the outset, it was clear Lewis had rediscovered his primal aggression. He stalked Nascimento, unleashing thunderous leg kicks and winging overhand rights, his intent clear: to end the fight early.

Nascimento, undeterred, utilized his agility to evade Lewis’s power shots and sought to drag the fight to the ground. The first two rounds saw a fascinating clash of styles, with Lewis stuffing takedowns and landing sporadic bombs, while Nascimento patiently looked for openings to exploit.

The third round, however, belonged entirely to Lewis. Lewis unleashed a right hand that knocked that sit Nascimento down and put him out. The crowd erupted in a cacophony of cheers and jeers, a testament to Lewis’s polarizing yet undeniably entertaining persona. And then, as the adrenaline surged through his veins, Lewis did what only he could do: he dropped his shorts, mooning the entire arena in a gesture of defiance and jubilation.

Indeed, with this victory, Lewis (28-12) cements his legacy as the UFC’s all-time knockout king. His 15 knockouts surpass the added to his record, and at 38 years old, there’s no telling how many more victims he can add to his highlight reel.

Nascimento (11-2), despite the loss, showed flashes of brilliance and proved he belongs among the heavyweight division’s elite. His grappling skills troubled Lewis at times, and with further refinement, he could become a legitimate title contender.

However, the night ultimately belonged to Lewis. His knockout not only silenced his critics but also injected much-needed excitement into the heavyweight division. A potential rematch with Jailton Almeida, who handed Lewis his last defeat, could be on the horizon.

Regardless of what the future holds, Lewis’s mooning celebration will undoubtedly go down as one of the most bizarre and memorable moments in UFC history. It was a raw, unfiltered display of emotion, a reminder that MMA is as much about personality as it is about skill.

The UFC St. Louis event will be remembered for Lewis’s triumphant return, a knockout that rekindled the flame of a once-dominant champion. It was a night that showcased the unpredictable nature of MMA, leaving fans both shocked and entertained, and eager to see what the “Black Beast” will do next. And if his post-fight antics are any indication, it’s safe to say that Lewis will continue to push boundaries and leave an indelible mark on the sport.