Undefeated phenom Tallison Teixeira faces knockout legend Derrick Lewis at UFC Fight Night Nashville
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 10, 2025, 23:41 IST
UFC Fight Night Nashville is set to ignite with a heavyweight clash between Derrick Lewis, the knockout king, and undefeated Tallison Teixeira. Lewis aims to revitalize his title aspirations after a hiatus, while Teixeira seeks to continue his dominant run.
The UFC returns to Nashville on July 12 with a high-stakes heavyweight showdown as veteran knockout artist Derrick Lewis squares off against rising Brazilian contender Tallison Teixeira at the Bridgestone Arena.
Lewis, 40, holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history (15) and is looking to reignite his path to title contention after a 14-month layoff. With a professional record of 28-12 (1 NC), Lewis is currently ranked ninth in the heavyweight division. Despite a recent stretch of losses — going 2-4 since 2022 — his explosive power remains a threat to any opponent.
Standing across from him is 25-year-old Tallison Teixeira, who has taken the UFC by storm. Undefeated at 8-0, Teixeira made an immediate impact with a first-round knockout of Justin Tafa in his promotional debut, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. All of his professional wins have come within two rounds, showcasing his aggressive style and finishing ability.
The bout carries significant implications in the reshuffled heavyweight landscape. With Jon Jones officially retired and Tom Aspinall recently crowned undisputed champion, the division is wide open for new contenders. A win for either fighter could propel them into the title conversation.
Main Card Highlights – UFC Fight Night Nashville
Lewis, 40, holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history (15) and is looking to reignite his path to title contention after a 14-month layoff. With a professional record of 28-12 (1 NC), Lewis is currently ranked ninth in the heavyweight division. Despite a recent stretch of losses — going 2-4 since 2022 — his explosive power remains a threat to any opponent.
Standing across from him is 25-year-old Tallison Teixeira, who has taken the UFC by storm. Undefeated at 8-0, Teixeira made an immediate impact with a first-round knockout of Justin Tafa in his promotional debut, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. All of his professional wins have come within two rounds, showcasing his aggressive style and finishing ability.
The bout carries significant implications in the reshuffled heavyweight landscape. With Jon Jones officially retired and Tom Aspinall recently crowned undisputed champion, the division is wide open for new contenders. A win for either fighter could propel them into the title conversation.
Main Card Highlights – UFC Fight Night Nashville
- Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira (Heavyweight Main Event)
- Stephen Thompson vs. Gabriel Bonfim (Welterweight)
- Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia (Featherweight)
- Nate Landwehr vs. Morgan Charrière (Featherweight)
- Vitor Petrino vs. Austen Lane (Heavyweight)
- Junior Tafa vs. Tuco Tokkos (Light Heavyweight)
- Max Griffin vs. Chris Curtis (Welterweight)
- Jake Matthews vs. Chidi Njokuani (Welterweight)
- Lauren Murphy vs. Eduarda Moura (Women’s Flyweight)
- Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Valter Walker (Heavyweight)
- Mitch Ramirez vs. Mike Davis (Lightweight)
- Fatima Kline vs. Melissa Martinez (Women’s Strawweight)
- Date: Saturday, July 12
- Time: Main Card starts at 9 PM ET; Lewis vs. Teixeira expected at approx. 11:40 PM ET
- Broadcast: ESPN and ESPN+