Anticipation is high for the UFC Nashville event, especially for the heavyweight encounters. Just a few weeks ago, a lengthy period without finishes in the UFC heavyweight division (105 days, to be precise, since March 15, 2025) was noted. That streak has now extended to 119 days. However, the upcoming main event between Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira is expected to break this trend on Saturday night.
Beyond the headliner, the fight card features two additional heavyweight bouts that are also likely to conclude without needing the judges` scorecards.
Regardless of the individual stakes for the fighters, there`s optimism that the main event will deliver the kind of exciting, high-impact action synonymous with the big men – as Derrick Lewis himself would say, “swangin’ and bangin’.” Lewis rarely goes the distance, with only one decision in the last five years. Tallison Teixeira, undefeated in eight professional fights, has never even seen the second round.
Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira
It`s often noted that Derrick Lewis typically only suffers losses against the elite of the heavyweight division. Opponents like Jailton Almeida, Serghei Spivac, Sergei Pavlovich, Tai Tuivasa, and Ciryl Gane fall into this category. While the depth of the heavyweight landscape might fluctuate, the pattern holds: Lewis generally loses only to top-ranked contenders or rapidly rising prospects. Unfortunately for Lewis, Tallison Teixeira appears to fit this description.
At 6-foot-7, Teixeira possesses imposing physical attributes. He`s not just a large fighter; he`s capable of sudden, fight-ending strikes that can materialize unexpectedly. As highlighted, he has never reached the second round and has only fought past the second *minute* on two occasions. If he finishes Lewis, it will likely happen early.
Should Lewis manage to extend the fight past the initial feeling-out phase and potentially incorporate his grappling in the second round, it could pose problems for the tall Brazilian, whose gas tank remains untested in deeper waters. However, confidence in Lewis`s ability to consistently avoid or absorb hard punches seems diminished. Teixeira is expected to land significant strikes early. While a comeback victory is always a possibility for “The Black Beast,” the prediction favors Teixeira securing another first-round finish to add to his record.
Stephen Thompson vs. Gabriel Bonfim
In contrast to the heavyweight prediction, the pick here is for Stephen Thompson to overcome his younger Brazilian opponent. The age difference between Thompson and Gabriel Bonfim is substantial at 15 years, mirroring the gap in the main event. A key distinction is Thompson`s continued reputation for evading strikes, despite his recent knockout loss. “Wonderboy” maintains a distinct and challenging style in the stand-up exchanges.
A significant question mark hangs over Thompson`s ability to handle Bonfim`s grappling. A proven strategy against Thompson has been to overpower him and secure takedowns, and Bonfim would be wise to pursue this approach. Bonfim is more of a reactionary wrestler, suggesting that if Thompson can maintain his preferred distance, he should be able to minimize grappling threats. This is a considerable `if,` given Bonfim`s explosiveness. Nevertheless, confidence remains in Thompson`s capability to land precise strikes from range, frustrating Bonfim over three rounds and earning a decision victory.
Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia
Calvin Kattar`s recent string of losses might look worse on paper than the reality. His close fight with Josh Emmett was arguably a win, his bout against Arnold Allen was cut short by injury, and a loss to former champion Aljamain Sterling is understandable. While he did suffer a clear defeat to Youssef Zalal, these results don`t indicate a fighter who has suddenly become easy to beat. Kattar remains a formidable challenge for most fighters in the featherweight division, including the surging Steve Garcia.
“Mean Machine” Garcia has been on a remarkable run, finishing his last five opponents by knockout. This impressive streak places him among notable KO artists like Chuck Liddell and Don Frye. While finishing Kattar, who has never been stopped by strikes, would be a monumental achievement suggesting limitless potential, it`s not the expected outcome. However, Garcia`s current form is compelling, making him the predicted winner. Kattar will undoubtedly have moments of success in their exchanges, but Garcia is expected to land the more significant blows at crucial points, likely swaying the judges in his favor.
Nate Landwehr vs. Morgan Charriere
The question surrounding Morgan Charriere isn`t whether he can fight technically, but whether he can endure a brutal scrap. That`s the essential query when facing Nate Landwehr, known as “The Train.” Landwehr may not be the most technically polished fighter, but few are better when it comes to a toe-to-toe brawl.
Landwehr possesses a knack, sometimes to his own detriment, for drawing opponents into slugfests. If you cannot match the intensity and power he brings, you risk being overwhelmed quickly. While Charriere could theoretically deliver a purely tactical performance to neutralize Landwehr, it`s not a likely scenario. Landwehr has sufficient technical skills to compete when necessary, but as soon as an opportunity arises to unleash his power, he will seize it. Charriere is expected to show toughness and resilience, but eventually, his defenses are likely to break down, leading to Landwehr becoming the first fighter to knock out “The Last Pirate.”
Vitor Petrino vs. Austen Lane
Vitor Petrino seemed destined to make waves in the light heavyweight division before encountering more experienced opponents in Anthony Smith and Dustin Jacoby. While his initial run at 205 pounds might have ended disappointingly for some fans, perhaps his future lies at a different weight class. This will be explored as he faces Austen Lane.
Lane is a high-level athlete whose mixed martial arts skills, particularly defensively, leave something to be desired. Despite his physical gifts, Lane hasn`t developed the movement needed to make him difficult to hit. All six of his professional losses have come via knockout.
This pattern is not expected to change on Saturday. While Lane might attempt to ground Petrino, as he did in his sole UFC victory against Robelis Despaigne, it`s unlikely to be effective. The prediction is for Petrino to keep the fight standing and finish Lane early with strikes in the first round.
Justin Tafa vs. Tuco Tokkos
Although officially a light heavyweight contest, this bout feels more akin to the fourth heavyweight fight on the card, perhaps reflecting the current state of the 205-pound division. Justin Tafa is moving down in weight, and Tuco Tokkos faces the difficult task of welcoming the hard-hitting Australian to the division.
Tokkos has two potential advantages: clever footwork and a reach advantage. He could potentially use strikes and takedown attempts to disrupt Tafa`s rhythm. He will need to fight intelligently, as Tafa will be looking for a knockout from the opening bell. However, despite Tokkos`s ability to make fights awkward, he lacks the necessary head movement and counter-striking to prevent Tafa from walking him down. The Tafa brothers are known for their hand speed, and Justin needs little invitation to unleash powerful shots. Tokkos`s chin isn`t particularly resilient either.
Tokkos is likely to spend the fight on the back foot, and the bout is not expected to last long, possibly only a few minutes. The prediction is for Tafa to secure a first-round knockout.
