UFC returns to action next weekend with a Fight Night event in Nashville, featuring a heavyweight showdown between Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira. This Tallison Teixeira UFC fight prediction examines whether the rising contender will upset the established power of Lewis or succumb to another early knockout loss.

Preview of the Lewis vs. Teixeira Headliner

The main event highlights a battle between veteran Derrick Lewis, known for his devastating knockout power, and Tallison Teixeira, an undefeated Brazilian prospect making waves with a perfect record. Lewis, nicknamed “The Black Beast,” holds the UFC record for the most knockouts inside the octagon with 15, including a recent stoppage of Rodrigo Nascimento. Despite his age of 40, Lewis remains a formidable finisher, yet his skills outside of raw punching power have notable limitations.

Lewis’s mobility on the feet is restricted, making him vulnerable to technical strikers who can work his body and maintain distance. While his chin has held up against most opponents, he has suffered seven knockout losses, showing some susceptibility to counters or heavy shots. His grappling defense is adequate but could be exploited by a skilled wrestler or submission artist.

Tallison Teixeira, at 6 feet 7 inches tall, brings a unique physical advantage and an undefeated 8-0 record with seven knockouts and one submission. His UFC debut was emphatic, ending a fight against Justin Tafa in just 35 seconds. Although less experienced and with fewer fights at this level, Teixeira’s size and striking ability make him a challenging matchup for anyone in the heavyweight division.

This fight is expected to unfold in one of two ways: Teixeira could use his reach and volume to wear down Lewis, eventually securing a TKO victory, or Lewis could end the contest abruptly with a single powerful punch. Given Lewis’s history and durable chin, combined with his age and accumulated damage, it’s tempting to favor the younger challenger. However, Teixeira’s relative inexperience and unpredictable style might lead to a quick finish by Lewis.

Assessing the Likely Outcome of the Heavyweight Clash

Lewis’s experience and knockout power remain his greatest assets, even as his overall skill set slows with age. At the same time, Teixeira’s unblemished record and size advantage indicate considerable upside if he can control distance and pace effectively. Still, Teixeira risks falling victim to the kind of knockout blow Lewis specializes in if he makes a misstep or misjudges the timing.

This matchup could be pivotal for the heavyweight division’s landscape. A victory by Teixeira would inject fresh momentum into the ranks and signal the rise of a new top contender, while a quick knockout by Lewis would reinforce his role as a dangerous gatekeeper skilled at stopping rising stars. At this juncture, it appears the fight has come a bit prematurely for Teixeira, who may need additional high-level experience before toppling a striker of Lewis’s caliber.

The Official Prediction: Lewis Wins by First-Round Knockout

Backing Derrick Lewis to score an early knockout aligns with his reputation as one of the most feared punchers in the division. Despite diminishing speed and some vulnerabilities, his power remains a definitive threat that has ended many opponents’ nights abruptly. For Lewis, another quick finish would maintain his status as a dominant presence in heavyweight matchups.

Upcoming Welterweight Battle: Gabriel Bonfim Versus Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson

In the welterweight division, former title contender Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson takes on the rising Brazilian striker Gabriel Bonfim. Thompson, 42 years old, was once celebrated for his fluid martial arts style and sharp timing, but recent results show a decline in performance, with only one win in his last five fights. His last bout ended in a stoppage by Joaquin Buckley, highlighting a decreasing speed that hampers his effectiveness.

Gabriel Bonfim enters the octagon with a strong 17-1 record and four UFC fights under his belt. His sole loss came by TKO against Nicolas Dalby in a high-paced contest. Bonfim possesses solid submission skills, having secured 13 wins via submission, making it likely he will seek to take Thompson to the ground rather than engage in stand-up striking exchanges.

Thompson’s grappling is experienced, but his takedown defense has shown signs of decline, recently conceding four takedowns against Buckley. Bonfim’s impressive 76% takedown accuracy presents a significant threat, although caution will be necessary to manage energy output and avoid getting fatigued as happened in his previous loss.

Analyzing the Welterweight Contest’s Dynamics

The fight could hinge on whether Thompson can maintain his defensive wrestling and avoid being controlled on the mat. Bonfim’s strategy will likely focus on wearing down the veteran through grappling pressure. Given Thompson’s advancing age and recent performance drops, Bonfim appears favored, particularly if he successfully implements a ground-based approach.

This bout could mark a turning point in Thompson’s career trajectory, potentially accelerating thoughts of retirement, while serving as a key development opportunity for Bonfim in the welterweight rankings.

Prediction for Welterweight Fight: Bonfim Secures a Second-Round Submission

Considering the styles and current form of both fighters, Bonfim’s grappling proficiency is likely to dictate the outcome. A calculated ground attack could lead to a submission finish in the second round, demonstrating Bonfim’s emerging dominance and making a case for his ascent in the division.

Insights for Featherweight Contenders: Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia

Featherweight action pits Calvin Kattar, a veteran likely nearing the twilight of his UFC career, against the surging Steve Garcia. Garcia is on a five-fight winning streak, mainly against lower-tier competition, and this fight represents a major step up in challenge. Kattar, struggling with form and confidence after multiple recent losses, must rediscover his best striking and strategic approach to avoid further decline.

Garcia’s mixture of significant knockout power and effective ground-and-pound make him a formidable foe, especially around the 145-pound mark where his power appears most impactful. Kattar, while a polished striker, has not shown an ability to adapt convincingly in recent fights, complicating his chances against the aggressive and improving Garcia.

Forecast for Featherweight Bout: Garcia to Win by Decision

Unless Kattar can revitalize his performance to mirror his prime, Garcia’s momentum and power advantage suggest a decision victory. This outcome reflects Garcia’s upward trajectory and the challenges facing Kattar in reversing a downward trend.

Preview of Featherweight Brawl: Nate Landwehr Takes on Morgan Charriere

Another featherweight matchup features Nate Landwehr, known for his unpredictable and high-risk style, against Morgan Charriere. Landwehr’s aggressive approach has made him a fan favorite, though it has also left him exposed to heavy hitters and skilled opponents, as seen in a recent loss to Doo Ho Choi.

Charriere has displayed toughness and solid striking in prior contests and is expected to capitalize on openings created by Landwehr’s risky fight plan. Both fighters bring power and intensity to the cage, setting the stage for a spectacular showdown.

Prediction: Charriere Likely to Achieve TKO Victory

If Landwehr maintains his typical aggressive style, Charriere should be able to exploit defensive lapses and secure a stoppage win. This prediction rests on Charriere’s ability to weather early fires and capitalize on counterattack opportunities.

Heavyweight Clash: Austen Lane Versus Vitor Petrino

In another heavyweight contest, former NFL athlete Austen Lane meets Vitor Petrino, who is fighting at heavyweight for the first time following back-to-back losses at light heavyweight. Petrino boasts an eleven-fight winning streak before those defeats, including impressive UFC victories.

Lane’s limited octagon success and history of knockout losses contrast sharply with Petrino’s speed and technique, making Petrino the favored competitor if his power adapts effectively to the heavier weight class.

Expected Result: Petrino to Win by Knockout

Assuming Petrino successfully adjusts to heavyweight and brings his improved skills, a KO finish over Lane appears probable, highlighting the contrast in athleticism and fight IQ between the two.

Light Heavyweight Matchup: Junior Tafa Faces Tuco Tokkos

The light heavyweight bout between Junior Tafa and Tuco Tokkos depends heavily on Tafa’s ability to manage the move down to 205 pounds. Tafa, while inconsistent in his record, carries notable power advantages, whereas Tokkos has yet to make a significant impact in his early UFC appearances.

If Tafa makes weight comfortably and retains energy levels, he should hold a clear edge with his striking prowess.

Prediction: Tafa to Win by TKO, Pending Weigh-In Confirmation

This fight’s outcome hinges on Tafa’s physical condition at weigh-ins, with a TKO win anticipated if the weight cut is successful and does not hinder performance.

Other UFC Fight Night Matchups to Watch

Several notable bouts will also take place, including welterweight fights Max Griffin vs. Chris Curtis and Jake Matthews vs. Chidi Njokuani. Additional bouts include flyweight Lauren Murphy vs. Eduarda Moura, heavyweight Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Valter Walker, lightweight Mitch Ramirez vs. Mike Davis, and strawweight Fatima Kline vs. Melissa Martinez.

Each of these fights carries implications for divisional rankings and career trajectories, contributing to a stacked Fight Night card that promises competitive and exciting matchups on multiple fronts.