UFC Nashville: Full Card Preview

Derrick Lewis vs. Talisson Teixeira
Lewis, now 40, has shown declining durability and struggles against aggressive pressure fighters. Teixeira brings size, power, and forward momentum, and he’s likely to meet Lewis in the pocket. While he's hittable, Teixeira’s clinch work and kicks could give him an edge.
Lean: Fight does not go the distance.

Stephen Thompson vs. Gabriel Bonfim
At 42, Thompson is still one of the trickiest strikers in the division. Bonfim will need to close distance against a master of range, which may drain his gas tank. Thompson’s defensive wrestling and footwork remain solid, and this matchup could highlight the experience gap.
Lean: Thompson to win.

Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia
Kattar faces a clear step down in competition after years of facing elite opposition. Garcia is reckless and hittable, and Kattar’s durability and boxing fundamentals could be decisive.
Lean: Kattar by KO/TKO.

Nate Landwehr vs. Morgan Charrière
Charrière is the more technical striker and more durable at this stage of his career. If he avoids the firefight and stays composed, he should control the exchanges. That said, if it goes the distance, Landwehr in front of a home crowd could be live.
Lean: Charrière by KO or Landwehr by decision.

Vitor Petrino vs. Austen Lane
Petrino moves up to heavyweight but still appears physically fit and more technically sound. Lane has questionable durability, and Petrino’s grappling could open up multiple finishing paths.
Lean: Petrino inside the distance.

Junior Tafa vs. Tuco Tokkos
Tafa drops to 205 and seems to be in shape. His striking should overwhelm Tokkos, who lacks defensive grappling and striking durability.
Lean: Tafa by KO/TKO.

Chris Curtis vs. Max Griffin
Curtis returns to welterweight and faces the aging Griffin. With pressure, body work, and cardio, Curtis could take over late, especially if Griffin fades.
Lean: Curtis by decision or late stoppage.

Jake Matthews vs. Chidi Njokuani
Matthews has the tools to outbox Njokuani and the wrestling edge if needed. He’s younger, more durable, and the more well-rounded fighter.
Lean: Matthews by decision.

Lauren Murphy vs. Eduarda Moura
Murphy returns at 42 and may be on her way out. Moura isn’t flawless but should be more active and effective across three rounds.
Lean: Moura by decision.

Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Valter Walker
Kennedy’s striking is sharp, but Walker’s early takedowns and size could trouble him. If Walker starts strong and mixes grappling in, he could steal rounds.
Lean: Walker by decision.

Mike Davis vs. Mitch Ramirez
Davis should have a clear athletic and technical advantage. He’s also shown a growing preference for submissions, making a finish on the mat a strong possibility.
Lean: Davis inside the distance.

Fatima Kline vs. Melissa Martinez
Kline holds a major edge on the ground and in cardio. If she can avoid damage early, her pressure grappling should lead to a finish later.
Lean: Kline by TKO or submission in Round 2 or 3.