UFC on ESPN 70: Weigh-In Drama, Heavyweight Hype, and a Nashville Night to Remember

The stage is set in Nashville, Tennessee—and the fighters are locked, loaded, and officially on weight (well, mostly). As the UFC circus rolls into the Bridgestone Arena this Saturday night, UFC on ESPN 70 brings not only a powerful card full of high-octane matchups but also the kind of gritty weigh-in storylines that get fans fired up.

Let’s get into it. Because if you're an MMA fan, this card has a bit of everything—knockout power, rising stars, and seasoned veterans looking to make another run. But first… those scales.

📍 Weigh-Ins from the UFC Host Hotel in Nashville

Forget the fancy lights and screaming fans—Friday's weigh-ins went down in a much quieter setting: the UFC’s host hotel in Music City. No crowds, no face paint, but plenty of intensity as fighters stepped on the scales ahead of Saturday’s prime-time showdown.

While most athletes made weight without issue, all eyes were on the headliners—especially Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis, a man known for his highlight-reel knockouts and no-nonsense post-fight quotes.

🔥 Main Event: Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira

Let’s be real—anytime Derrick Lewis is on a card, you're watching. At 261 pounds, Lewis tipped the scales just under the heavyweight limit, looking ready to bring the heat against unbeaten Brazilian up-and-comer Tallison Teixeira, who also weighed in successfully (though the official number wasn't announced yet). This matchup is not just a clash of generations—it's an explosion waiting to happen.

• Lewis (28-12 MMA, 19-10 UFC) is coming in with something to prove.

• Teixeira (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) is putting his undefeated streak on the line… and in front of a rowdy Tennessee crowd.

Don’t blink during this one. The heavyweight main event could end violently and fast.

⚔️ Co-Main Attraction: Bonfim vs. Wonderboy

Now, here’s where things get spicy. Welterweight action takes center stage with Gabriel Bonfim clocking in at 171 pounds and facing the ever-slick Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson, who came in at 170.5.

This matchup screams technical fireworks:

• Bonfim (17-1) is a Brazilian submission wizard with serious finishing ability.

• Wonderboy (17-8-1) is a former title challenger, karate ace, and perennial fan favorite with Matrix-like movement.

Styles make fights—and this one might just steal the show.

💥 More Main Card Madness

Not enough for you? Here's what else is going down on the main card, airing live on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET:

• Calvin Kattar (146) vs. Steve Garcia (146)
  Expect a war of attrition. Kattar’s boxing is crisp, and Garcia’s durability could make this a three-round classic.

• Morgan Charriere (146) vs. Nate Landwehr (146)
  Local fan favorite Landwehr is known for chaos. Add France’s Charriere into the mix, and it’s bound to be electric.

• Vitor Petrino (249) vs. Austen Lane
  Petrino came in big and focused. Lane's weight wasn’t disclosed, but fans are hoping this turns into a sneaky heavyweight banger.

• Junior Tafa (206) vs. Tuco Tokkos (206)
  Yes, another big-boy battle. Both fighters made weight right on the 206 limit. That’s heavyweight muscle with light heavyweight speed—dangerous.

🧨 Prelims That Could Headline Fight Nights

Now onto the Preliminary Card, which kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+—and it’s loaded with sleeper fights that might outshine the main slate.

• Chris Curtis (170.5) vs. Max Griffin (170.25)
  A gritty, veteran welterweight clash. Curtis is dangerous everywhere. Griffin doesn’t back down. Expect action.

• Eduarda Moura (126) vs. Lauren Murphy (126)
  Youth meets experience. Moura, the rising Brazilian star, faces Murphy, a former flyweight title challenger still tough as nails.

• Mike Davis (155.25) vs. Mitch Ramirez (156)
  Classic striker vs. striker showdown in the lightweight division. These guys might just throw down and forget defense entirely.

⚠️ Some Weigh-Ins Missing… But That’s Normal

A few names didn’t have official weigh-in numbers posted—namely:

• Jake Matthews

• Chidi Njokuani

• Kennedy Nzechukwu

• Valter Walker

• Fatima Kline

That doesn’t mean they missed weight—just that their numbers weren’t available when the list was finalized. These bouts are still on track unless a late update says otherwise.

⭐ Fights to Circle on Your Calendar

If you only tune in for a few fights, make it these:

• Lewis vs. Teixeira – Someone's going to sleep.

• Bonfim vs. Thompson – High-level technique on full display.

• Curtis vs. Griffin – A potential barnburner.

• Moura vs. Murphy – A true measuring stick moment for both.

Also, keep an eye on Kennedy Nzechukwu. If he’s healthy and dialed in, his fight against Valter Walker (who weighed in at 244.5) could be a sleeper classic in the light heavyweight division.

🎸 Nashville Vibes, Knockout Energy

What makes this card even better? The energy of Nashville. The UFC has been building a fanbase in Tennessee for years, and this fight night feels like it’s going to be special. From the walkouts to the crowd chants, expect Bridgestone Arena to be buzzing like a packed honky-tonk on a Friday night.

🧠 Final Thoughts Before the Cage Door Closes

• The weigh-ins were mostly smooth sailing.

• Big names are ready, and prospects are hungry.

• The mix of veterans and newcomers gives this card real balance.

But above all, this Saturday’s UFC event promises action, and not just from the headliners. From the first prelim to the final bell of the main event, fans are in for a high-voltage night of MMA, fueled by talent, tension, and a whole lot of Tennessee flavor.