UFC Nashville: Three Fighters Who Could Be Cut with a Loss

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UFC Nashville: Three Fighters Who Could Be Cut with a Loss originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The UFC is back with a heavyweight headliner—alongside a few careers hanging by a thread.
This weekend's UFC Nashville card doesn't just promise knockouts—it's laced with high-stakes drama. While the big boys throw down in the main event, with Derrick Lewis facing Tallison Teixeira, there's a different kind of pressure simmering on the undercard. A few fighters are walking into the cage with their backs against the wall.
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One more stumble, and it might be lights out—not just in the Octagon, but on their UFC contracts.
Dana WhiteGettyImages
At just 28 years old, Junior Tafa is entering what could be the most important fight of his young career. Yes, he won his last bout, and yes, he's dropping down to light heavyweight for a fresh start. But let's be honest: two losses in his last three—including a first-round submission to Valter Walker—still hang over his record like a storm cloud. The move to 205 could rejuvenate him—or it could expose the same inconsistencies that have fans and analysts raising eyebrows.
Junior TafaGetty Images
Across from him is Tuco Tokkos, a 35-year-old veteran, and frankly, this one feels like a 'loser leaves town' match. Tokkos hasn't found a win in the UFC. He's been finished twice in the first round—once by Oumar Sy and once by Zhang Minyang. If he goes 0–4, it's hard to imagine the UFC giving him another shot, unless he delivers the kind of performance that burns itself into Dana White's memory.
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Tuco Tokkos weighing in.Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Then there's Chris Curtis, a 37-year-old veteran. The guy has grit, no doubt. But grit only goes so far when you've won just once in your last five appearances. His last fight ended in a brutal third-round KO, and while some of his losses have been close, moral victories don't keep you employed in this game. Another slip and Curtis could find himself out of the picture.
Chris CurtisGetty Images
Dana White doesn't do sympathy contracts. He doesn't need to say anything. When it's time to clean house, he swings the axe fast and without warning. For these fighters, UFC Nashville isn't just about scorecards or rankings—it's about proving they belong. And if they don't? Well… there's a long line of hungry talent waiting for their shot.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.