Derrick Lewis will face Tallison Teixeira at UFC Fight Night in Nashville this Saturday, July 12, in a heavyweight match that pits experience against rising talent. This fight is significant as Teixeira attempts to accelerate his climb in the division by taking on one of its most established knockout artists.

A clash between a seasoned veteran and a promising contender

Derrick Lewis, known as “The Black Beast,” holds the UFC record for the most knockouts in the organization and has twice challenged for the heavyweight title. Unlike many fighters who chase championship glory, Lewis, 40, focuses on consistently fighting and getting paid rather than exclusively pursuing the belt. Having competed since before his UFC days, Lewis has built a reputation as a relentless competitor willing to face any opponent.

“It’s always been the number one thing, even when I started,” Lewis shared with CBS Sports.

“I was fighting every other month before I was in the UFC. That’s how I’d pay my rent. My rent was $525 a month. I’d fight every other month, $500 to show and $500 to win. That’s how we’d make ends meet.”

“I never care who’s next. So long as I get to fight, it’s all I care about.”

—Derrick Lewis, UFC fighter

On the other side, Tallison Teixeira arrives undefeated at 8-0, with an impressive streak of eight first-round knockouts. Despite having significantly less experience than Lewis, Teixeira is favored to win by bettors due to his striking power and size advantages. With a reach exceeding that of Alexander Volkov, Teixeira recently finished Justin Tafa in just 35 seconds, demonstrating his potential to become a top-tier heavyweight contender. Currently ranked No. 13 in the division, a victory over Lewis—who boasts over a decade of UFC experience—could vault Teixeira into the top 10 rankings after only his second fight in the Octagon.

“Training for Derrick was different than ever before. It was very intense,” Teixeira said through a Portuguese interpreter.

“He’s a tough opponent. When heavyweights connect with four-ounce gloves, you go out. He’s very dangerous.”

“Look at how tall and strong I am. I think I can be a bigger problem for him than everyone has ever been.”

—Tallison Teixeira, UFC heavyweight prospect

Supporting bouts add depth to UFC Fight Night main card

While the heavyweight clash anchors the card, the event also features noteworthy matchups likely to excite fight fans. Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson will take on Gabriel Bonfim in a lightweight bout, bringing his dynamic striking against a promising opponent. Steve Garcia’s fight with Calvin Kattar highlights striking exchanges expected to showcase high-level MMA boxing. Additionally, popular brawler Nate Landwehr adds excitement to the card with his aggressive style. UFC Fight Night takes place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville and airs on ESPN beginning at 9 p.m. ET, with streaming available on fubo.

Analyzing the headlining heavyweight fight

The key to this fight lies in Tallison Teixeira’s evolving footwork and reach advantage, which could pose serious challenges for Lewis if he fails to close the distance effectively. Lewis’s experience in navigating heavyweights with long reach, such as Alexander Volkov, will be crucial, as he must avoid Teixeira’s early knockout power while finding opportunities to land his own damaging strikes. Teixeira’s consistent ability to finish fights quickly means Lewis will need to approach cautiously and conserve energy throughout the rounds.

Though Teixeira has yet to fight beyond the first round, casting doubt on how well he handles fatigue and pressure over time, his power and physicality are undeniable threats. Lewis’s veteran instincts and striking capability give him an edge if the fight progresses into deeper exchanges. This encounter could determine whether Teixeira’s rapid ascent continues or if Lewis’s steadiness and knockout pedigree endure.

Given the uncertainties surrounding Teixeira’s stamina and experience against a seasoned knockout artist, the prediction leans toward Derrick Lewis winning by knockout in the third round, though an early finish by Teixeira remains a real possibility.