Stephen Thompson vs. Gabriel Bonfim Set for UFC Nashville Card Featuring Derrick Lewis Headliner

Stephen Thompson is set to face Gabriel Bonfim at the UFC Nashville event, bringing excitement to a card also headlined by Derrick Lewis versus Tallison Teixeira. Thompson, known as "Wonderboy," will look to break a two-fight losing streak when he steps into the octagon against the younger Brazilian competitor. His most recent win dates back to December 2022 against Kevin Holland.

Bonfim comes into this matchup with momentum, winning four of his last five UFC fights and recently securing victories over Ange Loosa and Khaos Williams. Fans will watch closely to see if Thompson can return to form or if Bonfim will continue to climb the welterweight ranks at UFC Nashville.

Stephen Thompson vs. Gabriel Bonfim: Fight Breakdown

Stephen Thompson will look to recover from back-to-back losses against a young, fast-rising Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Nashville. This fight matches experience against momentum, with important stakes for both fighters in the crowded welterweight rankings.

Backgrounds and Career Trajectories

Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, a former title challenger, has built his career on karate striking and technical kickboxing. He made his UFC debut in 2012, notching eight wins in his first nine fights. Thompson fought for UFC gold in 2016 but has since gone 4-8-1, with notable wins over fighters like Kevin Holland.

Gabriel Bonfim comes from Brazil and is 14 years younger than Thompson. He was the LFA welterweight champion before joining the UFC. Bonfim has quickly made his mark, fighting five times in the UFC and earning four wins. He specializes in submissions, especially guillotines and the Von Flue choke.

Both fighters enter UFC Nashville with something to prove. For Thompson, it’s about showing he can still compete at the top level. For Bonfim, it’s a chance to add a veteran name to his résumé.

Key Stats and Recent Performances

Stephen Thompson

• Record: 17-8-1 (12-8-1 UFC)

• Last win: TKO over Kevin Holland in December 2022

• Streak: Lost last two fights (Shavkat Rakhmonov, Joaquin Buckley)

• Fighting style: Striking, with a focus on distance management and karate kicks

Gabriel Bonfim

• Record: 16-1 (4-1 UFC)

• Last three fights: Lost to Nicolas Dalby, then won against Ange Loosa and Khaos Williams

• Submission wins: Strong with guillotines and quick finishes

• Fighting style: Aggressive grappling, high submission threat

Recent performances show Thompson’s need to avoid the ground, where Bonfim excels. Meanwhile, Bonfim was able to rebound from his loss with two strong wins, demonstrating improvements in his all-around game.

Significance for the UFC Welterweight Division

This welterweight matchup is a key feature of the UFC Nashville card. If Thompson wins, he could hold his ranking and delay talk of retirement. A loss could push him further out of title contention.

For Bonfim, a victory over a former title contender would be the biggest of his career. It would move him closer to the top 15 of the UFC welterweight rankings and prove he is a real threat in the division.

With the division full of wrestlers and strikers, the clash of styles here could shake up future matchups. Both men are eager for a breakthrough on a card headlined by Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira.

UFC Nashville: Main Card Highlights and Implications

UFC Nashville features some important matchups, including a heavyweight main event and the return of fan-favorite fighters. The outcomes could influence rankings and future bookings within the UFC.

Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira Main Event

Derrick Lewis, a veteran with 40 professional fights, headlines the UFC Nashville card against undefeated Tallison Teixeira. Lewis is known for his knockout power and holds the most knockouts in UFC heavyweight history. He brings experience and name recognition to every event he headlines.

Teixeira, a rising prospect, has not lost in his professional MMA career. His undefeated streak is a key storyline to watch. A win for Teixeira would put him in line for bigger fights in the division, while a win for Lewis could cement his status as a top contender.

Tale of the Tape:

	Derrick Lewis	Tallison Teixeira
Record	40+ Fights	Undefeated
Style	Heavy Power Striker	Balanced
Recent Fights	Mixed Results	Rising Prospect

The outcome of Lewis vs. Teixeira will likely shift the top of the heavyweight rankings and fuel talk about possible title shots.

Other Notable Matchups

The main card also includes the return of Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, who faces Gabriel Bonfim in a key welterweight battle. Thompson is looking to snap a two-fight losing streak, while Bonfim aims to build on his recent wins. Their clash draws interest because of Thompson's experience and Bonfim’s youth.

Fans had anticipated a fight between Maycee Barber and Erin Blanchfield, but it was canceled for undisclosed reasons. This affects the depth of the card but does not remove its appeal, as other matchups remain strong.

Tapology lists several picks and predictions for the event, showing close competition in many bouts. Fighters like Khaos Williams and Ange Loosa add excitement and unpredictability to the fight card.

Potential Impact on Future UFC Events

Results from UFC Nashville could set up future high-profile bouts, especially in the heavyweight and welterweight divisions. If Derrick Lewis beats Teixeira, he may move into talks for fights at upcoming pay-per-view events like UFC 294 or UFC 299.

A win for Tallison Teixeira could make him the division’s hottest new contender. In the welterweight division, if Gabriel Bonfim defeats Thompson, he would likely climb the rankings quickly and be in line for bigger opportunities.

Unexpected results or weight misses, which have occurred at events like UFC 317 and UFC Vegas 107, also have the potential to shake up matchups. UFC often uses performances at Fight Night cards to determine placements and promotions for future main events and pay-per-view slots.

The importance of UFC Nashville will be clear when UFC matchmakers decide the next fights for the winners and top performers from this event.