Derrick Lewis Delivers Record-Breaking Knockout at UFC Nashville: Lewis vs. Teixeira

On July 12, 2025, the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, played host to UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Teixeira, a thrilling event that saw heavyweight knockout king Derrick Lewis extend his UFC record with a blistering 35-second knockout of Brazil’s Tallison Teixeira in the main event. The card, streamed live on ESPN and ESPN+, featured a mix of veterans and rising stars, with standout performances from Valter Walker, Roman Kopylov, and Eduarda Moura. The event, attended by a raucous Nashville crowd, delivered high-octane action and pivotal moments that will shape the UFC’s 2025 season, particularly in the heavyweight and middleweight divisions.

Event Overview

UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Teixeira was one of the final “Fight Night” events before the highly anticipated UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3, scheduled for July 19, 2025, in New Orleans. Held at the Bridgestone Arena, the event featured a 12-fight card, with six preliminary bouts and six main card fights. The main event pitted Derrick Lewis, the UFC’s all-time knockout leader, against undefeated Brazilian prospect Tallison Teixeira, while the co-main event saw welterweight veterans Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Gabriel Bonfim clash. The card was broadcast live, with prelims starting at 6:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and the main card at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+, drawing significant attention from fans and analysts alike.

The event came on the heels of UFC 317: Topuria vs. Oliveira in Las Vegas, where Ilia Topuria defended his featherweight title. Nashville’s fight card was designed to spotlight local talent and emerging contenders, with posts on X hyping the event as a “pure action” showcase, particularly highlighting Lewis’s knockout prowess and the middleweight scrap between Chris Curtis and Max Griffin.

Main Event: Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira

Derrick Lewis, nicknamed “The Black Beast,” entered the octagon with a record of 28-12, holding the UFC record for most knockouts at 15. Facing him was Tallison Teixeira, an undefeated Brazilian heavyweight (9-0) making his second UFC appearance after a submission win in his debut. At 6’7” with an 81-inch reach, Teixeira’s grappling-heavy style was expected to test Lewis’s takedown defense, but the fight never reached the mat.

From the opening bell, Lewis showcased his trademark aggression. Just 35 seconds into the first round, he landed a devastating right hand to Teixeira’s chin, dropping the Brazilian to the canvas. A follow-up flurry prompted referee Herb Dean to stop the fight at 0:35, handing Lewis his 16th UFC knockout, further cementing his record. The Nashville crowd erupted, with Lewis celebrating by removing his shorts—a signature move—before speaking to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who was cageside. Lewis controversially claimed the fight was “scripted” for him to win, a statement that sparked debate on X, with some fans questioning the referee’s stoppage as premature.

Post-fight, Lewis called for a title shot, saying, “I’m the knockout king; give me that belt!” Teixeira, now 9-1, suffered his first professional loss, but his durability and potential suggest a bright future in the heavyweight division. The victory moved Lewis closer to contention in a division led by champion Jon Jones, who is rumored to defend his title at UFC 321 in October 2025.

Co-Main Event: Gabriel Bonfim vs. Stephen Thompson

The co-main event featured a welterweight clash between Gabriel Bonfim (17-2) and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (18-8-1). Bonfim, a submission specialist, aimed to rebound from a loss, while Thompson, a karate-based striker, looked to halt a two-fight skid. The fight was a stylistic clash, with Bonfim’s grappling pitted against Thompson’s elusive footwork.

Bonfim controlled the fight early, securing a takedown in the first round and landing ground-and-pound. Thompson struggled to keep the fight standing, and in the second round, Bonfim capitalized with a D’arce choke, forcing a tap-out at 2:14. The loss dropped Thompson from the welterweight rankings, a significant blow for the 42-year-old veteran, who expressed frustration with the scorecards and hinted at retirement. Bonfim, meanwhile, called for a top-10 opponent, eyeing a path toward the welterweight title held by Belal Muhammad.

Key Fights and Performances

The main card and prelims delivered several standout moments:

• Valter Walker vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (Heavyweight): Brazilian submission ace Valter Walker (13-1) extended his streak of heel hook finishes, tapping out Kennedy Nzechukwu (12-6) in just 58 seconds of the first round. Walker’s third consecutive heel hook victory earned him a Performance of the Night bonus and drew comparisons to grappling legend Demian Maia.
• Roman Kopylov vs. Kevin Holland (Middleweight): Russian striker Roman Kopylov (14-3) delivered a highlight-reel head kick knockout against Kevin Holland (26-12) at 3:21 of the first round, earning another Performance of the Night bonus. The win solidified Kopylov’s status as a middleweight contender, while Holland vowed to return stronger.
• Eduarda Moura vs. Lauren Murphy (Women’s Flyweight): Eduarda Moura (12-1) retired former title challenger Lauren Murphy (16-7) with a second-round TKO at 4:12, dominating with ground-and-pound. Moura’s performance earned her a post-fight meeting with UFC President Dana White, signaling her rise in the flyweight division.
• Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia (Featherweight): Steve Garcia (17-5) upset Calvin Kattar (23-9) with a unanimous decision (29-28 x3), leveraging his boxing to outpoint Kattar. Kattar later revealed he suffered a shoulder injury early in the fight, impacting his performance.
• Vitor Petrino vs. Anthony Smith (Light Heavyweight): Vitor Petrino (12-2) outworked Anthony Smith (38-21) to a unanimous decision (30-27 x3), showcasing his grappling and youth against the veteran.
• Max Griffin vs. Chris Curtis (Middleweight): A back-and-forth scrap saw Chris Curtis (32-11) edge out Max Griffin (20-11) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), earning Fight of the Night honors for its relentless pace.

Post-Fight Bonuses and Impact

UFC Nashville awarded $50,000 bonuses as follows:

• Performance of the Night: Valter Walker (heel hook submission vs. Nzechukwu) and Roman Kopylov (head kick KO vs. Holland).
• Fight of the Night: Max Griffin vs. Chris Curtis for their thrilling three-round battle.

The event’s results reshaped several divisions. Lewis’s knockout keeps him in the heavyweight title conversation, with potential matchups against Alexander Volkov or Jailton Almeida at UFC 321. Walker’s submission prowess positions him as a dark horse in the division. In the middleweight division, Kopylov’s knockout and Curtis’s win signal their readiness for ranked opponents, while Moura’s victory over Murphy elevates her in the flyweight rankings.

The loss was a setback for Thompson, who may consider retirement, and for Teixeira, who will need to rebuild momentum. Kattar’s injury and Holland’s knockout loss raise questions about their next steps, with both likely facing unranked opponents to regain footing. Social media reactions on X praised Lewis’s “scary power” and Walker’s “insane grappling,” while some fans questioned the referee’s stoppage in the main event, with @ufc posting highlights that fueled the debate.

Event Atmosphere and Nashville’s Role

The Bridgestone Arena, a hub for UFC events, was electric, with fans chanting for Lewis and cheering local fighters like Curtis. Nashville’s reputation as a fight-friendly city was evident, with the F1 Fanzone-like setup outside the arena offering live music, food trucks, and fighter meet-and-greets. The event’s timing, just before UFC 318, amplified its significance, with Dana White noting, “Nashville always delivers, and tonight was no exception.” The card’s fast-paced finishes, with five of 12 fights ending inside the distance, kept the crowd engaged.

What’s Next?

UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Teixeira set the stage for UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 on July 19, 2025, in New Orleans, where Dustin Poirier faces Max Holloway for the BMF title in his retirement fight. Lewis’s win positions him for a high-stakes heavyweight bout, potentially at UFC 321, while Walker and Kopylov are likely to face ranked opponents. Moura’s victory could lead to a matchup with a top-10 flyweight, such as Tracy Cortez. The UFC’s 2025 schedule remains packed, with upcoming Fight Nights and pay-per-views, including UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev, promising more blockbuster action.

Conclusion

UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Teixeira on July 12, 2025, was a showcase of the UFC’s raw power and emerging talent. Derrick Lewis’s record-extending knockout in just 35 seconds reaffirmed his status as a fan favorite and title contender, while Valter Walker, Roman Kopylov, and Eduarda Moura delivered performances that signal their rise. The event’s mix of veterans like Stephen Thompson and rising stars like Walker highlighted the UFC’s depth, with Nashville’s electric atmosphere adding to the spectacle. As the UFC heads toward UFC 318 and beyond, the outcomes from this Fight Night will resonate, shaping the futures of the heavyweight, welterweight, and flyweight divisions.