Written by Derrick Lewis | Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Derrick Lewis is back in the main event spotlight.
The trusty heavyweight headliner closes out UFC Nashville on July 12 opposite undefeated prospect Tallison Teixeira. MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz and Mike Heck confirmed the news with sources following an initial report by Laerte Viana.
Lewis (28-12, 1 NC) makes his 30th UFC appearance. The 40-year-old veteran competes for the first time in over a year. In his most recent appearance in May 2024, Lewis scored a third-round knockout of Rodrigo Nascimento in the main event of UFC St. Louis. That was just his second win in his past six fights.
Teixeira (8-0), who stands at a towering 6-foot-7, made a successful UFC debut this past February after being signed off of Dana White’s Contender Series. The 25-year-old finished Justin Tafa via strikes in 35 seconds, keeping his perfect finishing rate intact.
UFC Nashville marks the promotion’s return to the Tennessee capital after most recently landing there in August 2023. That event was headlined by Cory Sandhagen earning a unanimous decision over Rob Font.