Derrick Lewis proved once again why he’s one of the most feared punchers in the UFC heavyweight division, scoring a lightning-fast 35-second knockout over rising prospect Talisson Teixeira at UFC Nashville.
Teixeira entered with momentum after a debut KO win over Justin Tafa, but the veteran Lewis made quick work of him. After an early scare — possibly from an eye poke — “The Black Beast” uncorked a brutal left hand that dropped Teixeira. As the Brazilian clung to the fence, Lewis poured on the ground-and-pound, forcing a referee stoppage. It marked his 16th career UFC KO and reaffirmed his legendary status on the all-time knockout list.
In the co-main event, Gabriel Bonfim outpointed Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson in a competitive three-round fight. Bonfim's relentless pressure and sharp body shots secured him a narrow split decision — a key win in the crowded welterweight picture.
Steve Garcia looked sharp in a dominant decision win over Calvin Kattar, while Morgan Charriere delivered one of the night’s wildest finishes by stopping Nate Landwehr in round three after a back-and-forth war.
The main card also saw two slick submission finishes: Vitor Petrino tapped out Austen Lane, and George Tokkos submitted Junior Tafa in the second.
The prelims didn’t disappoint. Chris Curtis eked out a split decision over Max Griffin, and Jake Matthews made quick work of Chidi Njokuani via rear-naked choke.
Valter Walker wowed fans with an inverted heel hook against Kennedy Nzechukwu, and Mike Davis landed a spectacular flying knee to finish Mitch Ramirez.
The night opened with a show-stopping head-kick TKO from Fatima Kline, who stopped Melissa Martinez in Round 3 — setting the tone for one of 2025’s most action-packed UFC cards.
