This weekend, Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira will face each other in a heavyweight bout at UFC Nashville, sparking interest around their expected fight earnings. Understanding UFC pay can be complex, as fighter compensation includes several components like base pay, win bonuses, performance bonuses, and sponsorship deals, many of which remain undisclosed.
Fighter salaries differ widely based on their contract terms, popularity, and UFC divisional standing. Derrick Lewis, the event’s headliner and a well-known heavyweight, reportedly secures guaranteed pay ranging from $300,000 to $350,000 in his recent fights, often supplemented by performance bonuses. His upcoming fight against Teixeira is expected to provide a similar payday.
On the other hand, Tallison Teixeira is a newer competitor in the UFC, having earned his contract through Dana White’s Contender Series. After making a strong debut with a first-round knockout against Justin Tafa, Teixeira’s detailed earnings are less publicly known. Aside from a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus earned during his debut, estimates place his guaranteed pay within the higher tier of five-figure sums for this fight, typical for UFC newcomers.
Pay Expectations for Co-Main Event Fighters Stephen Thompson and Gabriel Bonfim
The UFC Nashville co-main event features former two-time title challenger Stephen Thompson facing rising contender Gabriel Bonfim in a welterweight battle. Sources indicate that Thompson’s recent fight salaries have ranged from approximately $300,000 to $415,000, with his highest pay reportedly coming from a bout against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 296.
Given Thompson’s current ranking and experience, it is likely he will earn around $300,000 for this event. Gabriel Bonfim’s earnings are less clear; reports suggest he earned roughly $56,000 for his UFC 291 victory over Trevin Giles. Facing Thompson, the most prominent opponent of his career, Bonfim could potentially surpass that figure for UFC Nashville.
All monetary figures mentioned are based on estimates provided by BetMGM and publicly available information.
Details on UFC Nashville Event Schedule and Broadcast
UFC Nashville, officially UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Teixeira, takes place on Saturday, July 12, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The preliminary fights begin at 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT, followed by the main card starting at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT.
The event will be streamed live on ESPN+ within the United States, requiring an active subscription for viewers to access the live broadcast. The headline heavyweight fight between Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira will anchor the event, with the welterweight matchup between Stephen Thompson and Gabriel Bonfim serving as the co-main event.
The full card includes 12 bouts across seven different weight classes and features fighters like Calvin Kattar, Nate Landwehr, and Chris Curtis, adding depth to the lineup for fight fans in attendance and watching remotely.
Why These Fight Payouts Matter for Fighters and Fans
The reported earnings for Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira highlight the disparity between established veterans and newer fighters in the UFC system. While Lewis’s compensation reflects his status and drawing power as a popular heavyweight, Teixeira’s pay illustrates the entry-level earnings that come with early career stages, despite impressive performances.
For fans and analysts, understanding these payout structures offers insight into the financial dynamics and incentives within mixed martial arts. Additionally, observing salary trends for fighters like Stephen Thompson and Gabriel Bonfim showcases how rankings and career progression influence UFC paychecks.
As UFC Nashville approaches, attention will not only center on the fights themselves but also on how the athletes are compensated, which may impact negotiations and contract discussions in future events.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What rank is Tallison Teixeira?
A. Turning professional in 2021, Teixeira got his UFC contract after a first-round knockout win on Dana White’s Contender Series. As of June 24, 2025, he ranks 13th in the UFC Heavyweight division.