UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Teixeira Preview

The July 12 main event features a classic striker-vs-prospect clash as Derrick Lewis (28-12, 1 NC) takes on undefeated Brazilian heavyweight Tallison Teixeira (8-0). Lewis, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous knockout artists in UFC history, enters the bout having won two of his last three fights. Most recently, he delivered a third-round TKO over Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC on ESPN 56 on May 11, 2024, reasserting his relevance in a deep heavyweight division.

With a resume that includes wins over elite competition such as Francis Ngannou, Alexander Volkov, Curtis Blaydes, and Marcin Tybura, “The Black Beast” brings an undeniable power advantage and a wealth of Octagon experience to this high-stakes headliner.

Teixeira, nicknamed “Xicao,” stands at 6-foot-8 and brings an unblemished 8-0 record into the biggest fight of his career. After earning his UFC contract with a devastating first-round knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series, he followed that with a statement-making debut—stopping Justin Tafa in just 35 seconds at UFC 312 on February 8. Now, the rising heavyweight faces an entirely different challenge in Lewis, a proven veteran with one-shot finishing ability and 26 career stoppage wins.

Lewis will likely lean on his usual approach—staying patient early, absorbing pressure, and waiting to land his devastating counters. In a five-round fight, he’s shown the ability to let opponents tire themselves out before unleashing fight-ending power in tight exchanges. Expect him to look for uppercuts and overhands once Teixeira commits inside.

Teixeira will need to use his length, youth, and speed to keep the fight at range and avoid close-quarters danger. His early aggression and reach could pose problems if he controls distance, but the question remains whether he can maintain that rhythm against a durable, savvy opponent who thrives in brawls and chaos.

After a measured first round, Teixeira finds some success at range but gets baited into a firefight in the second. Lewis times a counter right hand perfectly, dropping the prospect and finishing the fight with follow-up shots on the ground. Lewis wins via second-round TKO, proving once again that experience and timing can neutralize raw athleticism.

Pick: Derrick Lewis 2.95 | Dafabet

In the co-main spotlight, Jake Matthews (21-7) takes on Chidi Njokuani (25-10, 1 NC) in a compelling welterweight clash that pits veteran savvy against striking explosiveness.

Matthews, now in his 11th year with the UFC, enters the bout riding a two-fight win streak with recent victories over Philip Rowe and Francisco Prado. First introduced to fans through The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia, Matthews has developed into one of the most durable and well-rounded fighters in the division.

Njokuani, meanwhile, enters with strong momentum. The former Bellator standout is currently on a three-fight winning streak, capped off by a second-round finish of Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC Fight Night 254 on March 15. Known for his striking power, precision, and highlight-reel knockouts, Njokuani poses a major threat on the feet.

Matthews will look to neutralize that threat with calculated pressure and a wrestling-heavy strategy. His recent performances showcased improved timing, level changes, and an ability to adapt mid-fight. Against a dangerous striker like Njokuani, Matthews will likely use measured stand-up to close distance, initiate clinch work, and take the fight to the ground—where his cardio and top control can take over.

Njokuani’s path to victory lies in keeping the fight upright and at his preferred range. He’ll aim to pick Matthews apart with long kicks, crisp jabs, and heavy counters. However, prolonged grappling exchanges or being backed into the fence could expose gaps in his defensive wrestling and drain his gas tank.

Matthews absorbs early damage but executes his game plan with precision. Takedowns in Rounds 1 and 2 slow Njokuani’s rhythm, and ground control begins to wear him down. By the final round, fatigue sets in, and Matthews pours on the pressure from top position, unleashing steady ground-and-pound. Matthews wins via third-round TKO, extending his win streak and reaffirming his status as one of the division’s most durable and complete fighters.

Pick: Jake Matthews 1.88 | Dafabet