UFC NASHVILLE: LEWIS vs TEIXEIRA PREVIEW

CREDIT: UFC

The UFC heads to Nashville for a heavyweight banger in the main event, where the KO king, Derrick Lewis, takes on the undefeated up-and-comer Tallison Teixeira. This Brazilian prospect has been on a tear in the heavyweight division and aims to break into the top 10 with this fight. The card is filled with exciting strikers, including Wonderboy in the co-main event. Plenty of can't-miss matchups.

Main Event: Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira

#9-ranked heavyweight Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history. A dangerous heavyweight capable of getting a knockout at any moment, Lewis faces #13-ranked Tallison Teixeira, who has yet to leave the first round in his professional career. Teixeira is undefeated, with 7 knockouts and 1 submission victory to his name. At just 25 years old, he is taking on the 40-year-old veteran, Lewis. Teixeira also holds a height advantage at 6'7" compared to Lewis' 6'3", and he has a reach advantage as well.

Lewis will need to bite down on his mouthguard and close the distance to land a bomb on Teixeira. He remains dangerous at all points in the fight, whether he is tired or hurt. Teixeira will need to stay smart and avoid getting dragged into a brawl. He could possibly try to wrestle Lewis, but Ju Jitsu doesn't work against "The Black Beast." It would be a surprise if this fight lasts past the first round.

Co-Main Event: Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson (17-8-1) vs. Gabriel Bonfim (17-1-0)

#12-ranked Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, the legendary American striker, faces Brazilian Gabriel Bonfim in a highly anticipated matchup. Bonfim has a strong grappling game, with 13 submissions out of his 17 career wins. Wonderboy is known for his elite kickboxing and unique karate style, but has been exposed in the grappling department in the past. Thompson will need to keep this fight standing to avoid Bonfim's submission game.

Main Card: Calvin Kattar (23-9-0) vs. Steve Garcia (17-5-0)

An exciting featherweight matchup sees #14-ranked Calvin Kattar welcoming Steve Garcia into the rankings. Kattar is known for his slick boxing but is coming off a loss, making this a crucial fight for his career. Garcia, on the other hand, is on a 5-fight winning streak, risking it, this weekend.

Main Card: Jake Matthews (21-7-0) vs. Chidi Njokuani (25-10-0, 1NC)

This fun welterweight clash features a striker vs. striker matchup between Australian boxer Jake Matthews and powerful Texan Chidi Njokuani. It's tough to predict whether this will be a technical masterpiece or a gritty brawl, but either way, it’s sure to be an exciting fight.

Main Card: Junior Tafa (6-3-0) vs. Tuco Tokkos (10-5-0)

Junior Tafa makes the jump from heavyweight to light heavyweight this weekend as he faces Tuco Tokkos. It's a big test for Tafa as he moves into the LHW division. The question remains: can he carry his heavyweight power and strength into this new weight class?