Mixed Martial Arts action descends upon Nashville, Tennessee, as the Ultimate Fighting Championship brings a packed fight card to the Bridgestone Arena this Saturday night. Headlined by a compelling heavyweight showdown and featuring a pivotal co-main event in the welterweight division, the evening promises significant developments in multiple weight classes within the promotion.
Headlining Heavyweights: Lewis vs. Teixeira
The main event sees perennial heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis make his return to the Octagon after a hiatus of fourteen months. Known universally as “The Black Beast,” Lewis holds the distinction of being the UFC`s all-time leader in knockouts, a record he recently extended with his finish of Rodrigo Nascimento in May 2024 during the St. Louis event. His opponent is the undefeated Tallison Teixeira, a fighter who made a swift and emphatic statement in his promotional debut at UFC 312 in February, securing a victory in a mere 35 seconds against Justin Tafa. This matchup presents a classic contrast: Lewis`s proven, singular knockout power and vast experience against Teixeira`s perfect professional record and explosive, albeit brief, UFC finishing ability. It`s a test of whether the veteran power can withstand the momentum of a rising, unblemished force.
Co-Main Event: Thompson vs. Bonfim
The co-main event features the highly regarded Stephen Thompson, commonly referred to as “Wonderboy,” making his 2025 debut. Thompson enters this bout looking to halt a challenging period, specifically seeking to avoid a third consecutive loss – a rare situation for the veteran competitor, particularly one known for his consistent striking prowess. His opponent is Gabriel Bonfim, a surging contender currently establishing his presence in the welterweight division. Bonfim aims to secure his third straight victory and continue his rapid ascent up the organizational ranks, seeing Thompson as a significant step up in competition and profile. This pairing pits a seasoned, technical veteran against a younger, hungry contender eager to make a name for himself at the expense of an established star.
Complete Fight Card Lineup in Nashville
Beyond the top two highly anticipated bouts, the Nashville event showcases a full lineup of significant fights scheduled for the Bridgestone Arena, spanning both the main and preliminary portions of the card.
Main Card (ESPN, ESPN+)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira
- Stephen Thompson vs. Gabriel Bonfim
- Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia
- Nate Landwehr vs. Morgan Charriere
- Vitor Petrino vs. Austen Lane
- Junior Tafa vs. Tuco Tokkos
Preliminary Card (ESPN, ESPN+)
- Chris Curtis vs. Max Griffin
- Jake Matthews vs. Chidi Njokuani
- Lauren Murphy vs. Eduarda Moura
- Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Valter Walker
- Mike Davis vs. Mitch Ramirez
- Fatima Kline vs. Melissa Martinez
With a blend of veteran presence, rising stars, and critical divisional matchups set for Saturday night, UFC Nashville at the Bridgestone Arena is poised to deliver an eventful night for mixed martial arts enthusiasts tuning in or attending live in Tennessee. The card offers significant bouts across multiple weight classes, promising potential shifts in the rankings and notable performances from both established names and emerging talents.
