One of the most unforgettable moments in UFC heavyweight history came at UFC 229, when Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis pulled off a dramatic, last-second knockout victory over towering Russian striker Alexander Volkov. What began as a one-sided beating turned into a shocking reminder that in the heavyweight division, it only takes one shot to change everything.

The Matchup

Heading into the fight, Volkov was riding a six-fight win streak, with dominant victories over fighters like Fabricio Werdum and Stefan Struve. At 6’7″, he brought a massive reach advantage, elite kickboxing, and technical striking.

Derrick Lewis, known for his devastating knockout power, entered the octagon with back problems and questions surrounding his cardio. On paper, Volkov was expected to cruise to victory.

And for nearly three full rounds — he did.Volkov Dominates Early

Volkov used his jab and kicks to keep Lewis at bay, picking him apart with clean combinations. He stuffed takedown attempts and avoided the worst of Lewis’s power shots. By the end of Round 2, Lewis was visibly exhausted and behind on all scorecards. The third round looked like more of the same — until the final ten seconds.

The Knockout Heard Around the World

With just 11 seconds left in the fight and Volkov seemingly seconds away from a clear decision win, Lewis landed a massive overhand right that rocked the Russian. A flurry of follow-up punches sent Volkov crashing to the canvas, unconscious. The arena erupted as Lewis walked away with one of the most improbable comeback wins in UFC history.

“My balls was hot,” Lewis quipped during his legendary post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, instantly going viral and becoming an MMA folk hero.

Impact on the Division

Lewis’s win skyrocketed him into a surprise title shot against Daniel Cormier just weeks later at UFC 230. While he would fall short in that bout, the Volkov comeback solidified his reputation as the most dangerous heavyweight with one-punch knockout power.

For Volkov, the loss was devastating but not career-ending. He has since rebounded with multiple wins and remains a top-10 contender in the division.

Could a Rematch Happen?

Both fighters are still active in the UFC heavyweight division, and with the landscape constantly shifting, a Lewis vs Volkov 2 isn’t out of the question. Fans would certainly welcome a rematch — with Volkov looking for redemption and Lewis always one punch away from victory.

Legacy of the Fight

The first Lewis vs Volkov bout is remembered as a textbook case of why you never count out a heavyweight until the final bell. It’s a reminder of Lewis’s heart, his power, and his ability to steal victory from the jaws of defeat.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to MMA, Derrick Lewis vs Alexander Volkov is a fight worth revisiting — and possibly rewatching over and over.