The heavyweight clash between knockout artist Derrick Lewis and unbeaten Brazilian Tallison Teixeira is scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Lewis brings a ton of power, while Teixeira enters with an unblemished 8‑0 record and plenty of power of his own. Here, we look closer at a fight that is not expected to last all five rounds and make our Derrick Lewis vs Tallison Teixeira prediction.
Our Derrick Lewis vs Tallison Teixeira Pick
- Pick: Tallison Teixeira via knockout in Round 1–2
- Confidence: ★★★★☆
- Bonus Bets For the Main Event: Get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses with BetMGM bonus code ATSBONUS
Tale of the Tape
| Derrick Lewis | Tallison Teixeira | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 40 | 25 |
| Height | 6’3″ | 6’7″ |
| Reach | 79″ | 83″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Record | 28‑12‑0 (23 KO, 1 Sub) | 8‑0‑0 (7 KO, 1 Sub) |
Derrick Lewis vs Tallison Teixeira Preview
Derrick Lewis enters with a reputation as UFC’s all‑time knockout leader, boasting 23 total KO victories. His last appearance saw him get a third‑round KO against Rodrigo Nascimento in May 2024. Despite multiple first‑round stoppages over recent opponents, Lewis has shown signs of age, with declining cardio and increasingly exposed defense in the octagon.
Tallison Teixeira is making his descent in the heavyweight division. He has stopped every opponent he’s seen in his career in the opening round. His 83‑inch reach gives him a significant striking advantage, which he will look to utilize against a fighter in Lewis who is past his prime. Teixeira is currently ranked #13 in UFC’s heavyweight division, while Lewis is ranked #9.
Betting Insights
- Moneyline odds favour Teixeira at –250, while Lewis is priced at +200.
- Lewis has a huge experience edge in main event fights and will look to use that to his advantage here.
- Teixeira has won seven straight fights via knockout after winning via submission in his professional MMA debut.
Derrick Lewis vs Tallison Teixeira Prediction
Here are my keys to this fight between Lewis and Teixeira:
- Style & Tempo: Teixeira is relentless early, using his jab to set up stinging combinations and heavy power shots. Lewis relies on timing, looking for one big bomb to end his fights.
- Cardio & Durability: Lewis’ gas tank is not to be trusted at this stage of his career. But with the knockout power of both of these fighters, I’m not sure he needs to worry about lasting more than a round.
- Experience Factor: Lewis has fought in heavyweight main events time and time again in his career, which could give him an edge. But Teixeira could benefit from fighting like he has nothing to lose since he’s never been in this spot before.
My Prediction: Teixeira overwhelms Lewis early with volume, culminating in a knockout late in Round 1 or early Round 2. Lewis may land some shots of his own, but it won’t be enough to stop Teixeira before his cardio gives out.
