Prediction: Tallison Teixeira VS Derrick Lewis 2025-07-13
UFC Nashville Preview: Tallison Teixeira vs. Derrick Lewis
July 13, 2025
Key Statistics & Context
- Tallison Teixeira (8-0, 25 yo):
- Young, undefeated prospect with explosive power but unproven against top-tier competition.
- Aims to end the "Brazilian curse" (9-0 in main events for Brazilians in 2025).
- Coach Rafael Cordeiro: "Teixeira has made major strides in five months."
- Derrick Lewis (28-12, 40 yo):
- Veteran "The Black Beast" with a slipping record due to age, wear and tear, and chronic back issues.
- Trainer Edmond Tarverdyan: "Derrick is a frighteningly nimble heavyweight who employs flying knees and head kicks."
- Last five fights: 2 wins, 3 losses, with a growing risk of injury.
- Head-to-Head: None.
- Recent Trends: Teixeira’s youth and power vs. Lewis’s experience and technical striking.
Injuries & Updates
- Lewis: Chronic back injuries and age (40) are red flags, but his agility and striking remain potent.
- Teixeira: No reported injuries. His recent training camp highlights improved conditioning and confidence.
Odds Breakdown
Bookmakers’ Lines (Averaged):
- Derrick Lewis: +250 (implied probability: 28.6%)
- Tallison Teixeira: -150 (implied probability: 60.0%)
Adjustments Using Framework:
1. Underdog Win Rate for MMA: 35% (per user data).
2. Favorite Win Rate for MMA: 65% (100% - 35%).
EV Calculations:
- Lewis (Underdog):
- Split implied (28.6%) vs. underdog win rate (35%) → (28.6% + 35%) / 2 = 31.8%.
- EV = 31.8% > 28.6% → Positive EV.
- Teixeira (Favorite):
- Split implied (60.0%) vs. favorite win rate (65%) → (60.0% + 65%) / 2 = 62.5%.
- EV = 62.5% < 60.0% → Negative EV.
Betting Strategy & Recommendation
- Best Bet: Derrick Lewis (+250)
- The market undervalues Lewis’s technical prowess and late-round explosiveness. His 31.8% adjusted win probability > 28.6% implied probability creates a +3.2% edge.
- The author’s prediction of a late first-round KO aligns with Lewis’s history of explosive finishes (e.g., 3 of his last 4 wins via KO/TKO).
- Avoid: Teixeira (-150). His 62.5% adjusted win rate < 60.0% implied probability = negative EV. The "Brazilian curse" narrative inflates his odds.
- Totals (1.5 Rounds):
- Under 1.5 rounds (-150): Lewis’s late-first-round KO prediction makes this a strong play.
- Over 1.5 rounds (+250): Overvalued if the fight ends in the first.
Final Verdict
Derrick Lewis (+250) is the value bet.
While Teixeira’s youth and power excite, Lewis’s veteran savvy and striking arsenal make him a dangerous underdog. The market’s 28.6% implied win rate for Lewis is too low given his 31.8% adjusted probability. Take the points and ride "The Black Beast" to a late first-round finish.
Edge in the Octagon: Bet Lewis. Let the curse crumble. 🥊🔥
Created: July 11, 2025, 2:58 a.m. GMT