UFC St. Louis: Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento: Live round-by-round updates

Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento will serve as the main event at UFC St. Louis this evening at the Enterprise Center in Missouri.

While 'The Black Beast' (27-12 and one no-contest) is still a formidable knockout threat in the division, the former heavyweight title challenger's career has been on a downward spiral in recent years.

He is 1-4 in his last five with his most recent fight ending in a unanimous decision loss against Jailton Almeida. Lewis' last win came in a 33-second TKO against Marcos Rodrigo de Lima at UFC 291 last July.

Lewis is in dire need of a win this weekend to reaffirm his place in the top 15 of the division.

Meanwhile, Nascimento (11-1 and one no-contest) is currently on a four-fight unbeaten run. In his last walk to the octagon, the Brazilian clinched a unanimous decision win over Don'Tale Mayes.

The 'Dana White Contender Series' alumnus is a serious threat on the ground and holds six submission wins to his name.

According to the UFC's official website, Lewis is a -162 favorite over Nascimento (+136 underdog) for the matchup.

Catch the live coverage and play-by-play updates of Lewis vs. Nascimento only on Sportskeeda.

Watch the final face-off for Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento below:

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UFC St. Louis: Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento

Round 1:

Lewis opens up with heavy punches. 'The Black Beast' attempts level change unsuccessfully. Lewis trips his opponent to the canvas, and Nascimento quickly gets back to his feet.

Two minutes in, the Brazilian has Lewis backed up against the cage. As the pair separates, Lewis employs a high kick followed by a powerful flurry which connects partially.

Nascimento closes the distance and puts Lewis down on the canvas. He is on top raining down punches on the American. 'Yogi Bear' connects with punches and elbows from side control. Lewis seems to be trapped under his opponent.

Nascimento gets full mount, but in a surprising turn of events, 'The Black Beast' reverses position and gains top control.

Round 2:

Lewis starts aggressively but punches his way into a clinch. Lewis has his opponent back up onto the fence. As the pair separates, Lewis sneaks in an uppercut from up close.

Lewis unloads another set of hooks from close range, landing partially. The pair again clinches on the fence. An elbow lands up top for 'The Black Beast'.

The 39-year-old American trips and gives up his back in the process. 'Yogi Bear' turns his opponent around threatening a rear-naked choke. Nascimento transitions into a full mount and follows up with powerful elbows on his opponent.

A close round.

Round 3:

Lewis unloads a leaping high roundhouse kick. Wow!!! He connects with an overhand right up top at the end of a one-two combo putting Nascimento down on the canvas. 'The Black Beast' follows up with vicious ground and pound forcing the referee to stop the contest.

In signature Lewis fashion, he removes his shorts in the cage while celebrating his win.

Official Result: Derrick Lewis def. Rodrigo Nascimento via TKO (0:49 of Round 3)

Watch Derrick Lewis knock out Rodrigo Nascimento below: