UFC Nashville marked an exhilarating comeback for the promotion, featuring a clash of seasoned fighters against emerging talents as veterans such as Derrick Lewis, Stephen Thompson, and Calvin Kattar took on rising figures in the MMA scene. While the event presented thrilling bouts, only “The Black Beast,” Derrick Lewis, achieved victory. In evaluating the results, we explore the potential next moves for these fighters—Lewis, Gabriel Bonfim, Steve Garcia, Morgan Charrière, Vitor Petrino, and Tuco Tokkos—underlining their implications for their careers within the dynamic UFC environment.
Derrick Lewis: The Black Beast’s Path Forward in Heavyweight Division
Derrick Lewis once again proved why he is a fan favourite in the heavyweight division. Renowned for his explosive knockout power and engaging fighting style, Lewis continues to defy expectations at 40, securing a knockout against his opponent through a signature strike. His notable finish at UFC Nashville paves the way for exciting matches with other fighters still active in the heavyweight ranks.
The UFC might consider rearranging the fight between Lewis and Jhonata Diniz, initially set for last November. This matchup presents significant stakes for both fighters, with Lewis looking to solidify his legacy and Diniz eager to establish himself against a seasoned fighter. Additionally, the victor of the upcoming bout between Martin Buday and Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida could also be a compelling option for Lewis, setting the scene for a bout that demonstrates the progression of the heavyweight division.
Gabriel Bonfim: A Controversial Win in the Welterweight Scene
Gabriel Bonfim left UFC Nashville with a contentious victory that ignited discussions among fans and analysts. Despite two judges favoring him, many felt that Stephen Thompson merited the win. This split decision might propel Bonfim up the rankings, but it raises doubts about his ability to handle more formidable opponents. The young fighter will need to demonstrate his resilience against higher-ranked competition, especially following such a disputed fight.
The path for Bonfim is daunting as he must overcome the scrutiny from this matchup. He is likely to encounter the winner of the fight between Muslim Salikhov and Carlos Leal, both of whom are proficient strikers. Competing against either opponent will offer Bonfim a chance to validate his ranking while encouraging him to deliver a more convincing display to silence his critics.
Steve Garcia: Targeting Top Featherweight Challenges
Steve Garcia’s performance at UFC Nashville not only halted Calvin Kattar’s knockout streak but also solidified his position among featherweight contenders. With a commanding victory supported by all judges’ scores, it is evident that he has established himself as a significant threat in the division. The pressing question is who he should face next, as Garcia’s ascent appears promising following this win.
A clash with Josh Emmett seems to be an exciting next step for Garcia. Sharing a history with mutual opponents, this bout would not only test Garcia’s skills against a former title challenger but potentially position him for a future title shot if successful. The stakes are high, and the fight promises to be an engaging contest with significant ramifications in the featherweight division.
Morgan Charrière: Crafting a Comeback in the Featherweight Arena
Morgan Charrière’s knockout victory over Nate Landwehr was a defining moment for him at UFC Nashville, especially following an earlier lackluster performance this year. The explosive finish not only revitalized his career but also opens the door for his potential appearance in the upcoming Paris card, enabling him to leverage the momentum from his recent success. Charrière’s ability to stay composed and find the right moment to strike speaks volumes about his competitive edge.
Looking forward, a matchup with Julian Erosa could provide an excellent measure of Charrière’s skills against experienced competition. Erosa, recognized for his durability and striking, would present a formidable yet thrilling opportunity for Charrière to reinforce his standing in the UFC featherweight division. This contest would hold significance for both competitors while also captivating the attention of fans eager for a showcase of skill and determination.
Vitor Petrino’s Heavyweight Endeavor: A Test of Adaptability
Vitor Petrino’s transition to heavyweight was met with skepticism after two difficult losses earlier in 2024. However, his win against Austen Lane at UFC Nashville, albeit against a lesser-known opponent, demonstrated his capacity to adapt to this new weight class. Petrino’s upward trajectory was marked by a strong finish, likely reigniting his aspirations within the UFC. Still, many question whether he can hold his own against tougher heavyweights.
To better evaluate Petrino’s adaptability, a fight against Mohammed Usman seems suitable. Both fighters are at vital junctures in their careers and have yet to face the elite of the division. This encounter could yield valuable insights into Petrino’s prospects as a heavyweight contender while providing Usman an opportunity to elevate his status in the sport.
Tuco Tokkos: Battling for Survival in the Light Heavyweight Division
After enduring losses in his initial two UFC fights, Tuco Tokkos approached UFC Nashville with urgency, fully aware that his career was at stake. Securing a finish against Junior Tafa not only preserved his place in the organization but also showcased his grappling prowess, particularly with a decisive rear-naked choke in the second round. This fight marked a pivotal turnaround for Tokkos, demonstrating his ability to compete under pressure.
Next, a fight against Ivan Erslan seems wise. With both competitors sharing comparable records, they would likely be equally motivated to claim their spot in the UFC. This matchup could create a competitive atmosphere, heightening the stakes and ensuring both fighters bring their best game in the light heavyweight division.
Key Point | Details |
---|---|
Event | UFC Nashville, July 14, 2025 |
Main Theme | Old Guard vs New Generation matchups |
Derrick Lewis Outcome | Victory by knockout against a younger fighter; potential next encounter with Buday/Buchecha winner |
Gabriel Bonfim Outcome | Controversial decision win; likely next bout against Salikhov/Leal winner |
Steve Garcia Outcome | Defeated Kattar; next fight proposed against Josh Emmett |
Morgan Charrière Outcome | Knocked out Nate Landwehr; next matchup suggested against Julian Erosa |
Vitor Petrino Outcome | Finished Austen Lane; proposed next contest against Mohammed Usman as a gauge in heavyweight. |
Tuco Tokkos Outcome | Won by submission against Junior Tafa; next fight recommended against Ivan Erslan. |
In summary, UFC Nashville revealed a blend of veteran strength and emerging talent, setting the scene for exhilarating matchups in the future. As fighters like Derrick Lewis and Steve Garcia seek new challenges, fans are left curious as to which rising stars will prove their mettle in the Octagon. Who are you most excited to see return?
Frequently Asked Questions About UFC Nashville Fallout & Next Fights
Who will Derrick Lewis fight after UFC Nashville?
Derrick Lewis is anticipated to square off against the winner of the upcoming bout between Martin Buday and Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida, scheduled for two weeks following UFC Nashville.
What are the ramifications of Gabriel Bonfim’s win at UFC Nashville?
Gabriel Bonfim’s controversial victory at UFC Nashville boosts his ranking, but he is likely to meet an unranked fighter next, specifically the winner of the Muslim Salikhov vs. Carlos Leal matchup.
What’s next for Steve Garcia after his victory?
Following his win against Calvin Kattar, Steve Garcia is expected to face Josh Emmett, another notable contender with shared history against common opponents in the featherweight division.
Who is Morgan Charrière likely to fight next?
Morgan Charrière is expected to challenge Julian Erosa after his impressive knockout win against Nate Landwehr, seeking to maintain his momentum toward a fight in September on the Paris card.
How is Vitor Petrino’s transition to heavyweight being assessed?
Vitor Petrino’s move to heavyweight is seen as a test of his abilities in this division, with a likely next fight against Mohammed Usman, who is also an emerging contender at heavyweight.