The UFC is set to deliver a powerful main event in Nashville, Tennessee, with Tallison Teixeira scheduled to face off against Derrick Lewis just days before UFC 318. This matchup features two of the sport’s most formidable heavyweights, promising an intense confrontation between Lewis, the UFC’s all-time leader in knockouts, and the towering Brazilian Teixeira.
The fight has generated considerable buzz, as Teixeira looks to continue his undefeated run in the organization while attempting to overcome Lewis, a seasoned veteran known for his explosive striking power. The lead-up to the event has sparked widespread interest from fans and analysts alike, eager to see how this clash of giants will unfold.
Consensus Among Analysts Favors Teixeira Over Lewis
Experts from Bloody Elbow have collectively predicted a victory for Tallison Teixeira in the headline bout. Analysts Jordan Ellis, Kyle Dimond, James Sweetnam, and Ross Markey all chose Teixeira to secure the win over Lewis, reflecting a unanimous confidence in the Brazilian’s potential to dominate.
Despite having only one UFC fight under his belt, Teixeira boasts an impressive debut after scoring a swift 35-second knockout against Justin Tafa at UFC 312. This performance has set expectations that Teixeira may replicate such a decisive finish in Nashville.
Meanwhile, Derrick Lewis carries a record of 23 knockout wins but has faced growing challenges in recent years. Of his seven defeats, five have occurred in the last four years, signaling possible decline. Standing at six-foot-seven, Teixeira’s physical advantage is seen as a crucial factor that could tip the scales in his favor against the experienced Lewis.
Stephen Thompson Favored to Defeat Gabriel Bonfim in Co-Main Event
The co-main event also brings a clear favorite, with all Bloody Elbow experts backing Stephen Thompson to emerge victorious over Gabriel Bonfim. Despite Thompson’s advancing age of 42 and a recent string of losses, his experience and former dominance make him a formidable opponent.
Thompson, known as ‘Wonderboy,’ has suffered four losses in his last five fights, all against top-tier competitors, including a notable knockout win over Kevin Holland in December 2022. He represents the toughest challenge yet for Bonfim, who holds a strong 17-1 record but has yet to face prominent UFC opposition.
Predictions for UFC Nashville’s Most Exciting Undercard Bouts
Among undercard fights, Nate Landwehr versus Morgan Charriere is highly anticipated by three out of four Bloody Elbow experts as the potential Fight of the Night. Both fighters have previously earned bonuses for their exciting performances, which raises expectations for another thrilling contest in Nashville.
Landwehr, known as ‘The Last Pirate,’ has achieved four consecutive knockout victories, rarely going the distance recently. This contrasts with the optimistic view of James Sweetnam, who predicts that Junior Tafa’s bout against Tuco Tokkos could claim the Fight of the Night honors. Tafa is coming off a rebound win after a tough UFC start, while Tokkos seeks his first UFC triumph, making this an important opportunity for both.
Split Opinions on Performance of the Night Contenders
When it comes to the Performance of the Night bonus, experts are divided primarily between Vitor Petrino and Steve Garcia. Petrino, who began his UFC career strongly, aims to bounce back after consecutive losses, including a recent knockout defeat to Mario Pinto. Experts Jordan Ellis and James Sweetnam favor Petrino to secure the bonus by finishing Dejuan Lane.
On the other hand, Kyle Dimond and Ross Markey back Steve Garcia to impress in his Featherweight showdown against Calvin Kattar. Garcia arrives with momentum from five straight wins, featuring two first-round knockout bonuses, while Kattar has struggled with four consecutive losses. Garcia’s current form makes him a strong candidate for the $50,000 prize.
Implications and Expectations for UFC Nashville
With the experts united in their predictions for both main event fights and several key undercard contests, UFC Nashville is shaping up as a night full of suspense and potential upsets. Tallison Teixeira’s rise within the heavyweight division is being closely watched, as defeating Derrick Lewis could cement him as a serious contender moving forward.
Stephen Thompson’s role as a seasoned veteran transitioning towards retirement adds a layer of intrigue to his fight against Bonfim, who is eager to prove himself at a higher level. Meanwhile, the undercard battles for Fight and Performance of the Night bonuses highlight the depth of talent aiming to make a statement on this card.
The outcomes in Nashville will not only affect fighter trajectories but also set the tone ahead of UFC 318, adding significant stakes to this highly anticipated clash of heavyweight powerhouses and veteran skill.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What rank is Tallison Teixeira?
A. By June 24, 2025, he holds the 13th spot in the UFC’s Heavyweight rankings.