The UFC is back in Nashville for the first time since 2023. They have a heavyweight matchup in the main event with a fan favorite entering the octagon against an up-and-coming contender. Ninth-ranked Derrick Lewis is fighting thirteenth-ranked Tallison Teixeira, as both men look to move up the rankings in the shaken-up heavyweight division.
The crowd inside Bridgestone Arena should be top-notch for the plethora of entertaining matchups on the whole card. The prelims begin at 6 p.m. EDT and the main card starts at 9 p.m. EDT, both scheduled to air on ESPN. Here are our best bets for the card, UFC Fight Night Lewis vs Teixeira picks and predictions for Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
UFC Fight Night Picks: Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia (Nashville)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia
Steve Garcia is on a run in the featherweight division. He has won five consecutive fights and is taking on fourteenth-ranked Calvin Kattar. The latter has lost four straight fights against the toughest competition in the world. Katter's last win came against Giga Chikadze in 2022 via unanimous decision in a five-round battle.
Kattar is a phenomenal boxer and should be a better striker than Garcia, who is a dangerous striker, but also a better target. Kattar is quick, even at 37. He should have the speed advantage and can counter Garcia. He lands 4.60 significant strikes and absorbs 6.62 significant strikes per minute in the UFC. That includes the 445 significant strikes Max Holloway landed against him in a 25-minute fight, which equates to 17.8 significant strikes per minute and skews the data slightly.
Garcia has won five consecutive fights, all by knockout. His last loss was in 2022 to Maheshate via knockout. Garcia throws heavy punches, but there is room to be countered by Kattar's boxing. Kattar has not looked as bad as his recent record seems. He is still dangerous, but must remain safe and avoid Garcia's power shots. Kattar could use body shots and leg kicks to slow down Garcia and coast to a decision victory.
Bet: Calvin Kattar Moneyline (+105)
