Rising star Tallison Teixeira is set to face formidable veteran Derrick Lewis in the main event of UFC Nashville on July 12th. This prominent booking comes early in Teixeira`s UFC tenure, adding significant pressure. However, Teixeira isn`t shying away; he`s embracing a unique challenge: ending a peculiar losing streak for Brazilian fighters in UFC main events throughout 2025.
Remarkably, Brazilian athletes have gone winless in all nine UFC main events held so far this year. This surprising statistic includes high-profile bouts, some even for championships, involving prominent names from the nation`s rich fighting talent pool. For a nation historically dominant in mixed martial arts, this run is highly unusual, prompting talk within the community of a `Brazilian curse.` This particular drought hasn`t occurred this early in the year since 2017, when a similar streak was only broken late in the year by a victory from Amanda Nunes.
Tallison Teixeira sees this slump not as a burden, but an opportunity for distinction. “I like this,” Teixeira stated regarding the pressure and the narrative surrounding the losing streak. “I`ll be remembered as the man who ended the Brazilian curse.” His confidence extends directly to his opponent, with Teixeira specifically predicting a knockout victory over Lewis to accomplish this feat. He believes snapping the streak will provide a much-needed morale boost for Brazilian MMA fans and fighters alike, viewing himself as the potential catalyst for a turnaround.
Teixeira arrives at this main event slot undefeated at 8-0 professionally, fresh off a spectacular 35-second knockout in his highly anticipated UFC debut earlier this year against Justin Tafa. This quick, dominant performance showcased his potential to end fights decisively and hinted at the explosive power he possesses, making him an intriguing prospect to watch.
Standing across from him is Derrick Lewis, a heavyweight powerhouse known affectionately as “The Black Beast.” Lewis is revered for his incredible knockout power, resilience, and ability to turn a fight around in an instant. He has recently faced a string of Brazilian opponents, securing memorable knockout wins over Marcos Rogerio de Lima and Rodrigo Nascimento, though he also holds a decision loss to Jailton Almeida in that same period. Lewis presents a stern, experienced test for any fighter, particularly one stepping into a main event for the first time against this level of competition.
The UFC Nashville main event is more than just a standard fight; it`s a narrative playing out on a national scale for Brazilian MMA. Tallison Teixeira has the chance to elevate his career dramatically in just his second UFC appearance, defeat a legendary heavyweight, and potentially lift a perceived hex from his country`s fighters. All eyes will be on Nashville to see if the 8-0 prospect can live up to his confident promise and etch his name into history as the one who broke the `Brazilian curse.`
Jasper Hawthorne