Kicking off the month of July in a gargantuan way, UFC Nashville sets the table for a colossal clash between heavyweight stalwarts as divisional luminary Derrick Lewis faces off with rising phenom Tallison Teixeira. Before that, however, Stephen Thompson will attempt to defend his ranking in the welterweight elite when he tangos with touted prospect Gabriel Bonfim.
UFC Nashville Main Event
Across his 13 years in the UFC, Lewis has built up a much-earned reputation for delivering a plethora of highlight reel finishes, starching standout 265-lb competitors such as Marcin Tybura, Alexander Volkov and Curtis Blaydes. Standing as the all-time leader in company knockouts, “The Black Beast” can add even more to his storied legacy by turning away the young and towering Teixeira in UFC Nashville’s main event.
Making his much-anticipated debut back in February at UFC 312, Teixeira immediately made himself a force to reckoned with in the heavyweight category by flattening the always dangerous Justin Tafa in just 35 seconds. Now contending with the stiffest challenge of his whole career in UFC Nashville, “Xicão” is on the hunt for further glory and perhaps a title shot by toppling a legend of the promotion.
UFC Nashville Co-Main Event
Having vied for the welterweight strap on two occasions, Thompson is among the greatest athletes to compete in the weight class, owing notable victories over Geoff Neal, Jorge Masvidal, Johny Hendricks and Rory MacDonald. Seeking to stake his claim to being counted among the best 170-lb competitors on the planet, “Wonderboy” locks horns with a splendid upstart in the up-and-coming Bonfim in the UFC Nashville co-main event.
Bouncing back from an unfortunate upset defeat to Nicolas Dalby, Bonfim has recorded two back-to-back wins over Ange Loosa and Khaos Williams. Now just one punch away from his first ranking in the UFC, “Marretinha” stands at the cusp of contendership should he manage to best the aging Thompson.
More Bouts On the Main Card
Rounding out the main card at UFC Nashville, featherweight veteran Calvin Kattar does battle with the power-punching juggernaut Steve Garcia. Then, in a battle of fan-favorites, Nate Landwehr comes to blows with French steam roller Morgan Charrière. Also, Vitor Petrino makes his freshman outing at 265-lb when he faces former NFL player Austen Lane. Finally, Junior Tafa makes his promotional light heavyweight debut opposite Tuco Tokkos.
UFC Nashville Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
- UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
- PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
- ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
The individual who picks the most victorious fighters by the end of 2025 will have a choice between receiving a custom-made championship belt from ProAmBelts or a detailed chain from Championship Chains. Staff picks in 2023 were won by Ben Jamieson with a record of 300-148.
Find our UFC Nashville picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after PFL Europe 2 (2025):
- Hank Strandberg: 72-113
- Drew Zuhosky: 44-139
- Frazer Krohn: 44-108
- Jeremy Brand: 44-118
- Andrew Benjamin: 15-82
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Junior Tafa -170
Vs.
George Tokkos +145
HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Tafa by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Tafa by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Tafa by second round Knockout
Staff picking Tafa: 3
Staff picking Tokkos: 0
Vitor Petrino -700
Vs.
Austen Lane +500
HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Petrino by second round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Lane by first round Knockout
Frazer Kron: Petrino by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Petrino: 2
Staff picking Lane: 1
Morgan Charriere -265
Vs.
Nate Landwehr +225
FEATHERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Charriere by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Charriere by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Charriere by first round Knockout
Staff picking Charriere: 3
Staff picking Landwehr: 0
Steve Garcia -125
Vs.
Calvin Kattar +105
FEATHERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Garcia by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Garcia by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Kattar by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Garcia: 2
Staff picking Kattar:
Gabriel Bonfim -450
Vs.
Stephen Thompson +350
WELTERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Thompson by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Thompson by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Thompson by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Bonfim: 0
Staff picking Thompson: 3
Tallison Teixeira -300
Vs.
Derrick Lewis +250
HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Teixeira by second round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Lewis by third round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Teixeira by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Teixeira: 2
Staff picking Lewis: 1
