MMA Match Preview: Derrick Lewis (28-12) vs. Tallison Teixeira (8-0)

The Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee hosts a classic veteran vs. rising prospect showdown as knockout legend Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis (28–12, 1 NC) faces undefeated Brazilian phenom Tallison Teixeira (8–0) in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Teixeira. With both fighters known for their finishing power, this bout promises chaos and could reshape the heavyweight rankings.

Fight Details

Event	Info
Date	Saturday, July 12, 2025
Location	Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
Time	Main Event ~11:45 PM ET
Broadcast	ESPN / ESPN+
Weight Class	Heavyweight (265 lbs)
Rounds	5

Fighter Breakdown

🇺🇸 Derrick Lewis

Age: 40

Height/Reach: 6’3″ / 79″

Team: Main Street Boxing & Muay Thai

Record: 28–12 (23 KO, 1 SUB)

Recent Form: TKO win over Rodrigo Nascimento (May 2024)

Strengths: KO power, counter-striking, clinch offense, ground-and-pound

UFC Stats: Most knockouts in UFC history (14), 9 first-round finishes

Lewis is a juggernaut with deceptive athleticism and underrated wrestling. He thrives in small spaces, striking off breaks, and exploding from bottom positions with raw power. Despite age and mileage, he remains one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the sport.

🇧🇷 Tallison Teixeira

Age: 25

Height/Reach: 6’7″ / 83″

Team: Team Lucas Mineiro

Record: 8–0 (7 KO, 1 SUB)

Recent Form: 35-second KO of Justin Tafa (Feb 2025)

Strengths: Length, jab, body kicks, BJJ black belt, blitz combinations

Notable Fact: Trained under Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira; owns an inverted triangle-armbar win

Teixeira is a towering striker with surprising agility and a dangerous grappling base. He’s finished every opponent inside the first round and enters ranked #13 in the division after just one UFC appearance.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Lewis	Teixeira
Height	6’3″	6’7″
Reach	79″	83″
Striking Accuracy	48%	45%
Takedown Accuracy	41%	65%
Takedown Defense	55%	73%
UFC Finish Rate	86%	100%