Vitor Petrino and Tuco Tokkos Impress With Early Finishes at UFC Nashville
By Ali Hammad July 16, 2025 09:02
UFC Nashville, held on July 12, 2025, at the Bridgestone Arena, witnessed two compelling early finishes from Vitor Petrino and Tuco Tokkos, who impressed with their dominant performances on the main card. Their victories, achieved in the first and second rounds respectively, added significant excitement to the event headlined by Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira .
Vitor Petrino's Dominant Heavyweight Debut
Vitor Petrino made a statement in his heavyweight debut, submitting former NFL star Austen Lane in the first round . Petrino, who had faced two stoppage losses at light heavyweight, showcased a powerful transition to the heavier division . About a minute into the opening round, Petrino easily took Lane down, then secured Lane's back minutes later . He ultimately locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing Lane to tap out at 4:16 of Round 1, marking Lane's first submission loss .
Petrino's performance was particularly notable as he returned to the win column after recent losses to Anthony Smith and Dustin Jacoby . His seamless transition to heavyweight and decisive victory over a seasoned opponent like Lane signals a promising future for Petrino in the division . As he stated in his post-fight interview, Petrino passed this heavyweight test "with flying colors" . Lane, now with a UFC record of 1-4 (1 NC) and four stoppage defeats, faces an uncertain future in the promotion .
Tuco Tokkos's Career-Saving Submission
In an earlier main card bout, Tuco Tokkos delivered a crucial comeback submission victory over Junior Tafa in their light heavyweight clash . Tokkos, who entered the fight on the heels of back-to-back losses, showcased resilience by securing an arm-triangle choke at 4:25 of the second round . This win was vital for Tokkos, allowing him to rebound and effectively save his UFC career .
Tokkos's fight with Tafa kicked off the main card, with Tafa initially favored to win by knockout . However, Tokkos demonstrated his grappling prowess, overcoming any early setbacks to finish the fight . After his victory, Tokkos spoke with Daniel Cormier in the Octagon, reflecting on his performance and the importance of the win .
Both Petrino and Tokkos delivered memorable finishes that captivated the Nashville audience. Petrino's successful heavyweight debut showcased his potential to be a significant force in the division, while Tokkos's comeback victory proved his determination and skill when facing career adversity. These early finishes underscored the depth of talent on the UFC Nashville card and provided thrilling moments for fight fans
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