The UFC travels to the Volunteer State this weekend, and we’re covering all your betting needs for a Nashville fight card stacked with top-ranked talent from top to bottom.
The time for introductions is over; let’s dive right into the most noteworthy betting picks for the UFC Nashville preliminary card wars!
The Picks
- Curtis by Decision (-120)
- Nzechukwu-Walker Under 2.5 Rounds (-120)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Chris Curtis vs. Max Griffin
UFC Nashville Welterweight Preliminary Bout
Saturday, July 12, 2025 – 06:00 PM EDT at the Bridgestone Arena
Chris Curtis
Curtis, the 37-year-old training partner of Sean Strickland, has been on somewhat of a doozy regarding consistency of late, and his Nashville appearance this weekend sees him return from a two-fight losing streak.
With that said, he hasn’t been overly dominated during his UFC tenure, and the level of competition he’s faced has always been top-tier.
- Curtis Pro Record: 31-12
- Curtis KO/TKO Wins: 15
- Curtis Submission Wins: 3
Max Griffin
Griffin, on the other hand, well, let’s say his 8-9 UFC record has been significantly more inconsistent versus a lower level of competition. Watching him struggle to defeat Tim Means back in 2022 was a concern, equally as much as it was to watch him get tapped by Michael Chiesa late last year.
- Griffin Pro Record: 20-11
- Griffin KO/TKO Wins: 9
- Griffin Submission Wins: 2
Curtis vs. Griffin: Fight Tape Analysis
I’m not particularly high on either talent here, but to be completely honest, Curtis is taking a huge drop in competition level here, and with the incredible wrestling defense he possesses, he can keep this fight standing where he wants it to be.
Griffin is an average wrestler and striker who can hold his own against mid-tier opponents, but at 39, don’t expect him to enter the octagon and look like a new fighter. While I respect his durability, he’s not going to outscore the more creative and technical striker in Curtis.
UFC Nashville Preliminary Card Odds & Prediction
The UFC odds make Curtis a heavy favorite, but we can find value in backing the underdog to at least survive until the judges intervene.
Curtis undoubtedly holds the striking edge here, and yes, he does have power, but if there’s one credit we can give to Griffin, it’s that his durability has survived the test of time, and putting him out via strikes has been proven difficult.
Back Curtis to win this bout on points, as he avoids grappling exchanges with ease and styles Griffin on the feet behind his punishing jab and sneaky counter hooks.
Curtis by Decision: Supporting UFC Nashville Facts
- 78% of Griffin’s UFC losses were by decision
- Griffin hasn’t been knocked out since 2016
- Curtis’ primary stoppage win condition is by KO
- Curtis has gone the distance in 22 of his pro-MMA bouts
UFC Pick: Curtis by Decision (-120) [1.2u returns 1u profit] at Bet365
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Valter Walker
UFC Nashville Heavyweight Preliminary Bout
Saturday, July 12, 2025 – 06:00 PM EDT at the Bridgestone Arena
Kennedy Nzechukwu
He’s no Francis Ngannou, but this African savage has some serious hands, and with 10 of his 14 career wins coming by knockout, you know Kennedy Nzechukwu is live to cash your under the total wagers!
Now, he showed vulnerabilities at 205 pounds, but since moving to heavyweight, he has run through Chris Barnett and Lukasz Brzeski with ease. He seems a lot more comfortable amongst the big boys, as his added speed combined with power are working seamlessly thus far.
- Nzechukwu Pro Record: 14-5
- Nzechukwu KO/TKO Wins: 10
- Nzechukwu Submission Wins: 1
Valter Walker
Everyone hates on Valter Walker for losing to Brzeski, but that decision loss was his UFC debut. For that reason and because he’s since finished Junior Tafa and Don’Tale Mayes inside five minutes, we should give him the benefit of the doubt.
- Walker Pro Record: 13-1
- Walker KO/TKO Wins: 6
- Walker Submission Wins: 3
Nzechukwu vs. Walker: Fight Tape Analysis
We have two outcomes here: Walker finds success with his takedowns and either taps or ground and pounds his way to victory, or Nzechukwu beats the crap out of the Brazilian and shows him all about that Nigerian power.
I will say that Walker isn’t horrible on the feet; he has displayed power throughout his career and excellent durability, but it could certainly be tested this weekend. So, it’s likely that he’ll be looking to utilize his BJJ skills, and that’s an area Nzechukwu has faltered in the past.
UFC Nashville Preliminary Card Odds & Prediction
The UFC pricing with OddsTrader’s top sportsbooks makes Nzechukwu a heavy favorite, but I’m not in agreement. I see this clash closer to 50/50, but at the same time, the over/under, which is set at 2½ rounds, is too tempting to ignore.
Two greasy heavyweights with a significant history of finishing fights are about to square off, and we’re getting 12 minutes-plus for it to end? Yes please, sign me up.
Under 2½ Rounds: Supporting UFC Nashville Facts
- 14 of Nzechukwu’s 19 pro-MMA bouts have ended inside the distance
- Nzechukwu has seen under 1½ rounds in 5 of his last 6 UFC bouts
- Walker has seen under 1½ rounds in 5 of his previous 7 MMA bouts
UFC Pick: Under 2.5 Rounds (-120) [1.2u returns 1u profit] at Bet365
*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-GAMBLER
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
