The Game: UFC Nashville

The Octagon rolls back into Music City this Saturday, July 12, with a card that promises chaos, knockouts, and a look at the next wave of contenders. It’s the promotion’s first stop in Nashville since 2023, and they’ve booked a classic heavyweight headliner: knockout-record holder Derrick Lewis facing undefeated 6-foot-7 prospect Tallison Teixeira—a matchup that feels tailor-made for an early finish.

Main event – Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira (Heavyweight) Lewis owns the UFC knockout record and returns after a year off; Teixeira is an unbeaten 6-foot-7 prospect looking for a signature win. Expect power shots early. 

Co-main – Stephen Thompson vs. Gabriel Bonfim (Welterweight) Thompson’s karate style meets Bonfim’s pressure boxing; the winner likely breaks into the Top 15.

Rest of the main card • Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia – featherweights who thrive in the pocket • Nate Landwehr vs. Morgan Charrière – guaranteed pace for the home-state crowd • Vitor Petrino vs. Austen Lane – heavyweights with finishing streaks • Junior Tafa vs. Tuco Tokkos – light-heavyweight clash added late

Prelim fights worth a look Max Griffin vs. Chris Curtis, Jake Matthews vs. Chidi Njokuani, Lauren Murphy vs. Eduarda Moura, and more round out a 12-bout lineup.

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Why this card matters • Heavyweight shake-up – A Lewis win keeps him relevant; a Teixeira win launches a new contender. • Welterweight showdown – Thompson can halt a rising prospect, or Bonfim can fast-track himself. • Local energy – Landwehr fighting in Tennessee always guarantees volume in (and outside) the cage.

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Fantasy angle

Most will lean on Lewis–Teixeira and Thompson–Bonfim for boosts. If you want separation, target stylistic swing fights like Kattar–Garcia or Landwehr–Charrière with your boost multipliers; both matchups feature high output and real upset probability.

Lock in your picks on The Game, set the boosts, and tune in Saturday night for Nashville’s first UFC event since 2023. 👊