Lewis KOs Browne, Hendricks Bounces Back

Derrick Lewis continued his streak in the heavyweight division on Sunday, knocking out former top contender Travis Browne in a back-and-forth main event at UFC: Halifax.

"The Black Beast" survived an early scare from a Browne body shot and was able to connect with his menacing blows in the second round.

Lewis (18-4) improves his UFC record to 9-2, having won his last six fights in a row. Only Roy Nelson was able to go the distance with Lewis during that streak.

Browne (18-6-1) meanwhile continues his downward spiral since looking like a true championship prospect in 2011-12. He has lost his last three in a row, and five of his last seven fights.

There was some controversy concerning the stoppage of the fight by Mario Yamasaki, who did not step in until Browne absorbed a number of heavy shots on the ground after he seemed to already be unable to intelligently defend himself.

Lewis, never one to mince words, said that he was grateful for the late stoppage because he takes issue with Browne’s past of domestic violence allegations.

“I appreciate it,” Browne said of the stoppage. “Where [Yamasaki] at? I appreciate it, I appreciated him letting the fight go a little longer than what it should. I just wanted to get my anger out on Travis’ face because he likes to hit on women. So I appreciate him for doing that. I keep it real."

In the co-main event, former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks snapped his three-fight losing streak in a successful move to 185 lbs. He defeated Hector Lombard by unanimous decision.