The critical, pre-fight ritual of the weigh-ins for UFC Nashville has concluded, confirming the operational readiness of all scheduled athletes. While the process largely proceeded with predictable precision, a momentary technical deviation required a recalibration for one fighter, underscoring the precise physical parameters mandated for professional competition.
The headlining heavyweights, Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira, along with the welterweight co-main event participants, Stephen Thompson and Gabriel Bonfim, navigated the scale requirement without incident. Lewis registered a competitive 261 pounds, with Teixeira close behind at 259 pounds. Thompson hit the welterweight non-title limit perfectly at 170.5 pounds, and Bonfim came in at 171 pounds, well within the allowed tolerance.
However, the system briefly registered an anomaly during the weigh-in for welterweight Chidi Njokuani, scheduled to face Jake Matthews. Njokuani initially came in at 171.5 pounds, exceeding the 171-pound threshold permitted for non-title bouts in the 170-pound division by half a pound. Matthews, his opponent, successfully met the requirement at 170.5 pounds.
Following established protocol, Njokuani was granted additional time to make a second attempt at satisfying the weight specification. This is not entirely unfamiliar territory for Njokuani; he previously encountered difficulty making weight in his last UFC appearance and has a documented history of weight management challenges extending back to earlier stages of his career, often resulting in catchweight arrangements.
Despite the initial momentary deviation, the subsequent re-calibration confirmed Njokuani`s compliance, with his official weight updated to 170.5 pounds. Consequently, the technical requirement for all scheduled bouts to proceed has been officially satisfied. The scale, often an opponent before the opponent, has rendered its final judgment, clearing the path for Saturday night`s event at the Bridgestone Arena.
Official Weight Registrations:
Main Card
Derrick Lewis (261) vs. Tallison Teixeira (259)
Stephen Thompson (170.5) vs. Gabriel Bonfim (171)
Calvin Kattar (146) vs. Steve Garcia (146)
Nate Landwehr (146) vs. Morgan Charriere (146)
Vitor Petrino (249) vs. Austen Lane (245)
Junior Tafa (206) vs. Tuco Tokkos (206)
Preliminary Card
Chris Curtis (170.5) vs. Max Griffin (170.25)
Jake Matthews (170.5) vs. Chidi Njokuani (170.5)
Lauren Murphy (126) vs. Eduarda Moura (126)
Kennedy Nzechukwu (238) vs. Valter Walker (244.5)
Mike Davis (155.25) vs. Mitch Ramirez (156)
Fatima Kline (115.5) vs. Melissa Martinez (116)
Jasper Hawthorne