Derrick Lewis Extends UFC Knockout Record with 35-Second Destruction of Tallison Teixeira
UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Teixeira delivered explosive action from start to finish at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on July 12, 2025. The seventh UFC event to take place in Music City featured 12 thrilling matchups that showcased the promotional depth across multiple weight classes. From lightning-fast submissions to dramatic knockouts, the card provided entertainment for fight fans worldwide.
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UFC on ESPN 70: Lewis vs Teixeira Main Card Results
Main Event: Derrick Lewis (USA) def. Tallison Teixeira (Brazil) - TKO, Round 1 (0:35)
The main event at UFC on ESPN 70 lived up to its billing as a clash of heavyweight knockout artists, though it ended even faster than anyone anticipated. Derrick "The Black Beast" Lewis, the UFC's all-time knockout leader, extended his record to 16 UFC knockouts with a devastating 35-second demolition of previously undefeated prospect Tallison Teixeira.
The chaotic opening exchange saw Teixeira land early, briefly backing up the Houston native and seemingly affecting Lewis's vision. However, as the 6-foot-7 Brazilian prospect pressed forward looking to capitalize, Lewis unleashed a counter left hand that crashed into Teixeira's chin, sending him crumbling to the canvas. Lewis immediately swarmed with ground-and-pound until referee Jason Herzog stopped the contest.
After the victory, the 40-year-old Lewis celebrated in signature fashion, ripping off his shorts and briefly mooning the ESPN camera. The win improved Lewis's professional record to 29-12 (1 NC) and marked his second consecutive knockout of a Brazilian prospect. Working with longtime coach Kru Bob Perez and appearing in the best shape of his career, Lewis demonstrated he remains one of the heavyweight division's most dangerous fighters despite his age.
Teixeira, who entered with an unblemished 8-0 record with all victories coming via first-round finish, suffered the first loss of his professional career. The 25-year-old Brazilian had earned his UFC contract through Dana White's Contender Series and knocked out Justin Tafa in just 35 seconds in his previous outing at UFC 312.
Co-Main Event: Gabriel Bonfim (Brazil) def. Stephen Thompson (USA) - Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
In a thoroughly entertaining welterweight battle, 26-year-old Brazilian Gabriel Bonfim secured the biggest victory of his career by outpointing former two-time title challenger Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson. The Dana White's Contender Series graduate proved quicker and more active throughout the 15-minute contest, mixing up his striking attack while strategically incorporating grappling to control the pace.
Both fighters had moments where they landed clean shots, but Bonfim's all-around approach gave him the edge on two of the three judges' scorecards. The Brazilian ran even with the 42-year-old karate specialist on the feet while effectively sprinkling in takedowns and control time to sway the judges.
The Nashville crowd voiced their displeasure with the decision, as Thompson is a beloved figure in the sport. However, Bonfim's more varied attack and higher activity level justified the victory. The win extended Bonfim's streak to three consecutive victories and improved his UFC record following his lone career defeat to Nicolas Dalby. For Thompson of Simpsonville, South Carolina, the loss marked his third straight defeat and first victory since 2022, raising questions about the future of the fan-favorite veteran.
Steve Garcia (USA) def. Calvin Kattar (USA) - Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Albuquerque's Steve "Mean Machine" Garcia extended his winning streak to six fights with a dominant unanimous decision over fan-favorite Calvin Kattar of Methuen, Massachusetts. The featherweight contest saw Garcia implement an aggressive game plan that overwhelmed the former title contender across all three rounds.
All three judges scored the bout 30-27 in favor of Garcia, reflecting his complete control of the contest. The victory further established Garcia as a legitimate contender in the stacked 145-pound division, while Kattar continued his recent struggles with another setback in his attempt to return to title contention.
Morgan Charrière (France) def. Nate Landwehr (USA) - KO, Round 3 (0:27)
French featherweight Morgan "The Last Pirate" Charrière spoiled Tennessee native Nate Landwehr's homecoming with a devastating third-round knockout just 27 seconds into the final frame. After two competitive rounds, Charrière exploded with a vicious striking combination that left Landwehr unconscious on the canvas, silencing the partisan Nashville crowd.
The 29-year-old Frenchman's explosive finish earned both fighters a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus. Charrière, fighting out of Mantes-la-Jolie, improved to 21-12-1 and demonstrated why he's considered one of the most exciting fighters in the featherweight division. The former Cage Warriors champion has built a massive social media following and continues to deliver highlight-reel finishes in the UFC.
Landwehr of Clarksville, Tennessee, fell to 18-7 in a heartbreaking loss in front of his home-state fans. The defeat marked a setback for "The Train," who had hoped to build momentum in familiar territory.
Vitor Petrino (Brazil) def. Austen Lane (USA) - Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), Round 1 (4:16)
Brazilian light heavyweight Vitor Petrino made a successful heavyweight debut by submitting Austen Lane with a rear-naked choke late in the opening round. Petrino secured an early takedown, methodically advanced his position, and smoothly transitioned to back control before locking in the fight-ending choke at 4:16.
The performance showcased Petrino's grappling acumen at the heavier weight class. Fighting out of Brazil and weighing in at 249 pounds, Petrino demonstrated that his submission skills translate effectively to the heavyweight division. Lane, representing the United States, was unable to escape the dominant position once Petrino established back control.
Tuco Tokkos (Australia) def. Junior Tafa (New Zealand) - Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke), Round 2 (4:25)
In a light heavyweight bout that was originally scheduled for UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs Figueiredo in May before both fighters withdrew due to injury, Australian Tuco Tokkos secured his first UFC victory in impressive fashion. The 27-year-old used a well-timed takedown in the second round and maintained dominant position before transitioning to an arm-triangle choke that forced Tafa to tap at 4:25.
Junior Tafa, who dropped down from heavyweight for this bout, weighed in at 206 pounds for his light heavyweight debut. The New Zealander couldn't overcome Tokkos's superior grappling and positional control. The submission victory announced Tokkos's arrival as a legitimate threat in the 205-pound division.
UFC on ESPN 70: Lewis vs Teixeira Preliminary Card Results
Chris Curtis (USA) def. Max Griffin (USA) - Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
In his welterweight debut, middleweight veteran Chris "Action Man" Curtis edged Max Griffin via split decision in a competitive three-round battle. After compiling most of his UFC career at 185 pounds, Curtis successfully made the drop to 170 pounds and secured a victory that halts a two-fight skid.
Curtis weighed in at 170.5 pounds and demonstrated effective counter-striking and cage awareness throughout the contest. The split decision reflected the competitive nature of the bout, with Griffin having his moments but Curtis doing enough to sway two judges. The veteran from the United States instantly becomes a seasoned and dangerous addition to the talent-rich welterweight division.
Jake Matthews (Australia) def. Chidi Njokuani (USA) - Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), Round 1 (1:09)
Australian welterweight Jake Matthews extended his winning streak to three with a dominant performance, jumping on the back of Chidi Njokuani and securing a rear-naked choke in just over one minute. The 30-year-old Matthews, who debuted in the UFC at age 19, has developed into a well-rounded talent capable of finishing fights in multiple ways.
Matthews capitalized on an early scramble to take Njokuani's back, quickly flattening him out and locking in the submission. The quick finish demonstrated Matthews's high-level grappling and ability to capitalize on openings. For Njokuani, representing the United States, the loss was a disappointing setback after a promising start to the fight.
Eduarda Moura (Brazil) def. Lauren Murphy (USA) - Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Brazilian flyweight Eduarda Moura collected her second consecutive victory since moving to 125 pounds, surviving a late rally from the retiring Lauren Murphy to earn a unanimous decision. All three judges scored the contest 29-28 in favor of Moura, who showed improved cardio and consistent output across the three rounds.
Murphy, a veteran from the United States weighing in at 126 pounds, made a valiant effort in her final UFC appearance but couldn't overcome Moura's younger legs and activity level. The victory positions Moura as a rising contender in the women's flyweight division, while Murphy's career comes to a close after years of competing at the highest level.
Valter Walker (Brazil) def. Kennedy Nzechukwu (USA) - Submission (Heel Hook), Round 1 (0:54)
In one of the most spectacular performances of UFC on ESPN 70, Brazilian heavyweight Valter Walker extended his remarkable submission streak by heel-hooking Kennedy Nzechukwu in just 54 seconds. The victory marked Walker's third consecutive heel hook finish, a UFC first that has established him as one of the most dangerous submission artists in heavyweight history.
The younger brother of Johnny Walker, Valter has carved out his own identity with a grappling-heavy approach rarely seen in the heavyweight division. Nzechukwu, who weighed in at 238 pounds for the heavyweight bout after previously competing at light heavyweight, had no answer for Walker's leg-lock attack. The lightning-fast submission earned Walker a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus and continued his meteoric rise in the division.
Mike Davis (USA) def. Mitch Ramirez (USA) - TKO (Flying Knee and Punches), Round 2 (4:08)
Lightweight contender Mike "Beast Boy" Davis turned in a dominant performance to get back in the win column, finishing Mitch Ramirez in the second round with a spectacular flying knee. Davis, who weighed in at 155.25 pounds, used a high-amplitude takedown in the first round to establish control, spending most of the frame in back mount while hunting for submissions.
In the second round, after getting touched up early, Davis settled in and began returning fire effectively. He stunned Ramirez with strikes before elevating to land a devastating flying knee that put his opponent in serious trouble. Davis followed up with ground-and-pound until the referee stopped the contest at 4:08. The victory demonstrated Davis's well-rounded skill set and ability to finish fights both on the feet and the ground.
Fatima Kline (USA) def. Melissa Martinez (USA) - TKO (Head Kick and Punches), Round 3 (2:36)
Opening the night's action at UFC on ESPN 70, strawweight prospect Fatima Kline lived up to expectations with a spectacular third-round finish of Melissa Martinez. Just as it appeared the bout was heading to the judges' scorecards, Kline uncorked a devastating head kick that crumpled Martinez, following up with ground strikes to seal the victory at 2:36 of the final round.
The 25-year-old Kline, weighing in at 115.5 pounds, was widely favored entering the contest and delivered a performance that matched the hype. The crisp, explosive finish earned her a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus and established her as a rising force in the 115-pound division. Martinez showed heart and resilience through nearly three rounds but couldn't withstand Kline's late-fight onslaught.
UFC on ESPN 70 Bonuses
The UFC awarded four $50,000 post-fight bonuses at UFC on ESPN 70: Lewis vs Teixeira:
Fight of the Night: Morgan Charrière vs Nate Landwehr (both fighters received $50,000)
Performance of the Night: Valter Walker (heel hook submission)
Performance of the Night: Fatima Kline (head kick TKO)
Notably absent from the bonus recipients was main event winner Derrick Lewis, despite his spectacular 35-second knockout. The bonuses instead went to fighters who delivered exceptional performances earlier in the night, with the UFC prioritizing developing talent and the most undeniable finish sequences.
Weigh-In Results: All Fighters Made Weight
In a professional showing, all 24 fighters successfully made weight for their respective bouts ahead of UFC Nashville. There were no weight misses, fines, or last-minute cancellations due to weight issues. Mike Davis came in slightly heavy at 155.25 pounds for his lightweight bout but was still within the one-pound allowance for non-title fights.
Notable weigh-ins included Derrick Lewis at 261 pounds and Tallison Teixeira at 259 pounds for the heavyweight main event, while Vitor Petrino weighed 249 pounds for his heavyweight debut after previously competing at light heavyweight.
Event Significance and Aftermath
UFC on ESPN 70: Lewis vs Teixeira marked the promotion's seventh visit to Nashville and first since UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs Font in August 2023. The event took place at Bridgestone Arena, home of the NHL's Nashville Predators, in front of a sold-out crowd of over 17,000 fans.
The card delivered on its promise of finishes, with nine of the 12 bouts ending before the final bell. The event showcased the UFC's depth across multiple weight classes and provided a platform for both established veterans and rising prospects to shine.
Derrick Lewis's victory further cements his legacy as the most prolific knockout artist in UFC history, while young talents like Valter Walker, Fatima Kline, and Gabriel Bonfim announced themselves as serious contenders in their respective divisions. The event streamed live on ESPN and ESPN+, providing fight fans with an action-packed night of mixed martial arts entertainment.