UFC Fight Night: Lewis v Teixeira predictions & betting picks

The UFC returns to Nashville on Saturday, July 12, with a Fight Night card that promises chaos and highlight-reel finishes. Heavyweights Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira headline an action-packed lineup, supported by veterans, knockout artists, and rising prospects eager to make a statement.

Here’s your full breakdown of the UFC Fight Night card, including our UFC betting picks for each fight.

UFC Fight Night main card preview

Derrick Lewis vs Tallison Teixeira

Derrick Lewis (28-12) remains one of the most feared punchers in UFC history, but at 40 years old and after several wars, his durability is becoming a question mark. The “Black Beast” still owns a record 15 UFC knockouts, but he’s facing an entirely different breed in Tallison Teixeira (8-0).

The 25-year-old Brazilian has torn through his opponents, finishing all eight career wins inside the first round. He’s tall, powerful, and relentless, landing over 14 significant strikes per minute in his short UFC tenure.

Lewis is always live for a one-punch KO, but Teixeira’s aggression, length, and youth should overwhelm the veteran early. We’re backing the hype and expecting another first-round finish from Teixeira.

Stephen Thompson vs Gabriel Bonfim

Stephen Thompson (17-8-1) brings elite karate and veteran savvy, but at 42, time and wear are catching up. Gabriel Bonfim (17-1), just 27, is a dangerous submission artist who hunts finishes aggressively.

Wonderboy will have moments on the feet, but Bonfim’s pressure and wrestling will likely close the distance. Thompson’s historically solid takedown defense (63%) has slipped, and Bonfim’s opportunistic submissions from all angles could spell trouble.

Look for Bonfim to drag the fight to the mat and wrap up a finish. Our money’s on Bonfim by submission with the top online sportsbooks.

Calvin Kattar vs Steve Garcia

This is a pivotal fight for Calvin Kattar (23-9), who’s dropped four straight and hasn’t looked the same since suffering a knee injury. His legendary toughness is undeniable, but Steven Garcia (17-5) enters on a five-fight win streak—all by stoppage.

Garcia’s aggression, power, and willingness to trade make him dangerous, especially against a slower, hittable Kattar. Even if Kattar hangs tough, Garcia’s volume and damage could steal rounds.

Garcia’s momentum and finishing ability make him the pick to keep rolling in Nashville.

Nate Landwehr vs Morgan Charrière

Few fighters bring chaos quite like Nate Landwehr (18-6). Fighting in his home state, Landwehr will look to overwhelm Morgan Charrière (20-11-1) with relentless pressure.

Charrière is slick and technically sound but can be drawn into wars. Landwehr’s durability, cardio, and relentless forward motion could disrupt Charrière’s rhythm and create opportunities for big moments.

At these odds, Landwehr is a live underdog worth a small play for a gritty upset in front of the Nashville crowd.

Vitor Petrino vs Austen Lane

Vitor Petrino (11-2) moves up to heavyweight looking to reignite his hype after back-to-back losses. He faces Austen Lane (13-6), a former NFL player with size but questionable durability and defense.

Lane has been stopped in three of his last four fights and absorbs a high rate of significant strikes. Petrino tends to start cautiously before letting his power go in later rounds, and Lane’s cardio often fades as fights progress.

Look for Petrino to survive any early wrestling from Lane, then find the chin in Round 2.

Justin Tafa vs Tuco Tokkos

This heavyweight clash should deliver fireworks—or end quickly. Justin Tafa (6-3) has thunderous power and aims to finish fights early. Tuco Tokkos (10-5) is still looking for his first UFC win and has been vulnerable on the feet.

Unless Tokkos can wrestle and hold Tafa down, he’s likely getting clipped in an exchange. Tafa by KO/TKO is the safest play in this slugfest.

UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Teixeira prelim picks

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