Full card fight night picks for prelims and main event

The UFC returns to Nashville on Saturday, and it’s a classic veteran vs. prospect card.

Loaded with familiar names of past-their-prime stars, it’s an interesting betting spot for those looking to partake.

Most of the veterans are massive underdogs, as the sportsbooks suspect that the UFC is setting them up for squash spots.

Just four bouts on the 12-fight card event have odds inside of +200 for the underdog.

Meaning we’re looking at some dominant showings from the favorites on this card.

Below, we break down my favorite bets on the card, beginning at 6 p.m. ET, on ESPN.

UFC Nashville predictions

Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira

It’s a tough spot for Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis, as the 40-year-old heavyweight faces an up-and-coming Tallison Teixeira, who has started his career with eight consecutive wins, all in the first round.

Teixeira stands at 6-foot-7 and should use that advantage in the UFC.

But his lack of time inside the ring could be a significant problem for him against a veteran like Lewis.

Teixeira has beaten nobody at the level of Lewis, and the Black Beast has been willing to grapple against average or slightly below average grapplers.

Coming off a knockout of Justin Tafa, Teixeira has the momentum that the UFC would love to piggyback on in a dead heavyweight division.

Teixeira could finish Lewis in the first round, but I’m not willing to bet on that.

Target the fight to start round 2 at +110 on Fanatics Sportsbook, I think Lewis is crafty enough to drag Teixeira into unfamiliar waters and even snag a victory.

PICK: Fight starts round 2 (+110, Fanatics Sportsbook)

Max Griffin vs. Chris Curtis

On the prelims, Chris Curtis faces Max Griffin, and it’s the shortest price Curtis has been in his UFC career.

Coming in as a -325 favorite, he hasn’t been this pricey since he was -500 in 2021, when he was fighting at the regional promotion XMMA.

Griffin is far from a world beater; he’s been around the block at 39 years old, while Curtis is 37.

Curtis will look to pick Griffin apart, and body shots will be the key to success for each fighter, but if Curtis is taken down, he’s going to be in a nightmare situation.

For Griffin, he’ll need to utilize that grappling and avoid striking in the center of the octagon.

The cage will be his friend in the situation, clinch work against the cage, and chained together takedown attempts should wear his opponent down and help him pick up the victory.

Long shot prop alert: Griffin by split decision (+1200) is the bet to target.

PICK: Griffin by split decision (+1200, DraftKings)

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UFC Nashville full card picks

Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira: Fight starts round 2 (+110, Fanatics Sportsbook)

Stephen Thompson vs. Gabriel Bonfim: Thompson moneyline (+310, Caesars Sportsbook)

Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia: Kattar moneyline (+105, BetMGM)

Nate Landwehr vs. Morgan Charriere: Fight ends inside the distance (+110, Bet365)

Vitor Petrino vs. Austen Lane: Petrino by KO/TKO (-230, FanDuel)

Junior Tafa vs. Tuco Tokkos: Over 1.5 rounds (+145, DraftKings)

Jake Matthews vs. Chidi Njokuani: Jake Matthews moneyline (+135, DraftKings)

Max Griffin vs. Chris Curtis: Griffin by split decision (+1200, DraftKings)

Lauren Murphy vs. Eduarda Moura: Pass

Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Valter Walker: Fight goes to decision (+120, Fanatics)

Mitch Ramirez vs. Mike Davis: Pass

Fatima Kline vs. Melissa Martinez: Fight goes the distance (+100, BetMGM)

Why Trust New York Post Betting

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