UFC Nashville Preview: Lewis vs Teixeira Early Odds and Predictions

• UFC Nashville takes place Saturday, July 12th at Bridgestone Arena
• Derrick Lewis faces undefeated Tallison Teixeira in the heavyweight main event
• Check out the UFC Nashville early odds and predictions below

The UFC returns to Music City with a bang as all-time knockout king Derrick Lewis faces undefeated prospect Tallison Teixeira in a heavyweight clash at Bridgestone Arena. There are 12 fights on the card, seven of which are at 170 pounds or more. This could be one of the most violent cards of the year.

Former welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson faces Gabriel Bonfim in the co-main event, while Calvin Kattar looks to snap his losing streak against surging finisher Steve Garcia. Make sure your bets are in on ESPN+ before the prelims start at 6:30 PM ET.

UFC Nashville Odds

The early UFC Nashville odds have undefeated prospect Tallison Teixeira as a -280 favorite over UFC knockout king Derrick Lewis, who comes back at +210.

Odds as of July 8th, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Lock in a DraftKings promo code for all your UFC betting needs.

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Early Lewis vs Teixeira Prediction

This main event screams violence. Derrick Lewis holds the UFC record with 15 knockouts, while Tallison Teixeira has finished all eight of his professional fights in the first round. Someone’s getting slept, and it’s happening fast.

Lewis is 40 years old, and it shows. He gasses after six minutes, his chin is cracking, and he’s been through some really bad wars. But here’s the deal with “The Black Beast”: he only needs one shot. His right hand is a real sleep button, and he’s ended careers with shots that came from the strangest angles.

Teixeira is 15 years younger, four inches taller, and has a four-inch reach advantage. He’s an explosive, aggressive bomber who throws with bad intentions from the opening bell. Problem is, he’s also wild and gets hit clean. Against Lewis, that’s playing with fire

If Lewis can work inside the pocket and land one of his signature bombs, Teixeira goes to sleep. But if the Brazilian uses his youth, length, and aggression to overwhelm the aging veteran early, we could see a changing of the guard.

The safest thing to do here is not to pick a side; it’s to bet that this fight will end early. Very early.

• Lewis vs Teixeira Early Pick: Under 1.5 rounds -238

Early Kattar vs Garcia Prediction

The line on this fight tells you all you need to know. Calvin Kattar opened as the favorite but sharp money has pushed Steve Garcia to -125. When the betting market moves that dramatically, you pay attention.

Garcia is riding a five-fight knockout streak, finishing opponents in under six minutes combined. He’s a southpaw with serious power, good movement, and the ability to end fights with either hand. The key part? He’s 32 and entering his athletic prime.

Kattar is 37, hasn’t won in three years, and is on a four-fight losing streak. Yes, those losses came against elite competition, but the damage is adding up. He absorbed a record 445 significant strikes against Max Holloway. His chin held up then, but Father Time is undefeated.

Garcia’s biggest risk is getting reckless chasing the knockout. If Kattar survives the early storm, his superior boxing fundamentals and five-round experience could turn the tide. But I don’t think he makes it that far. Garcia’s pressure, power, and momentum should overwhelm the aging veteran.

• Kattar vs Garcia Early Pick: Steve Garcia ML -125

Other UFC Nashville Early Predictions

Chris Curtis vs Max Griffin:

Curtis returns to welterweight for the first time in his UFC career, where he was a multi-time regional champion. Griffin is 39 and primarily hunting for one big shot. Curtis thrives against aging power punchers. He’ll use his Philly shell defense, walk Griffin down, and drown him with volume. The moneyline is steep but Curtis is the right side.

• Early Pick: Chris Curtis ML -325

Junior Tafa vs Tuco Tokkos:

This is a classic striker vs grappler matchup where the market has it wrong. Tafa has terrible takedown defense and was seconds away from being 1-4 in the UFC. Tokkos is a legitimate mixed martial artist who can wrestle and control fighters. At +140, he’s excellent value before the line moves.

• Early Pick: Tuco Tokkos ML +140

Fatima Kline vs Melissa Martinez:

At -1200, Kline’s moneyline is unplayable, but her path to victory is crystal clear. Martinez has clean striking, but gets taken down too easily. Kline dominated Dudakova on the ground and should replicate that performance here. Look for submission props when they open. Likely second or third round.

• Early Pick: Fatima Kline by submission (wait for odds)

Best Parlay Piece:

Morgan Charriere (-270) and Steve Garcia (-125) parlay returns +157. Charriere is the more technical striker facing “The Train” Landwehr, who will push forward recklessly. Garcia’s momentum and finishing ability make him a strong addition to any parlay at near pick’em odds.