Tallison Teixeira Bio
Tallison Teixeira Silva (born December 7, 1999) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Nicknamed Xicao, he turned professional in 2021 and quickly built a reputation as a knockout threat. He earned his place on the UFC roster through Dana White’s Contender Series, and as of October 28, 2025, he is ranked #15 in the UFC Heavyweight rankings.
Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall with an 83-inch reach, Teixeira is one of the taller fighters in the division. He trains out of Team Lucas Mineiro in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, and fights from an orthodox stance. His combination of size, finishing instinct, and finishing speed has made him a prospect to watch in the heavyweight class.
Early Life and Background
Tallison Teixeira Silva was born on December 7, 1999, in Vitória da Conquista, a city in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Growing up in Brazil, he was introduced to martial arts during his formative years, eventually gravitating toward combat sports. His physical attributes and athletic frame led him to pursue a career in mixed martial arts.
Standing well above six feet tall even as a young athlete, Teixeira developed an interest in striking-based martial arts. He trained in his home country before relocating to São Paulo state, where he linked up with Team Lucas Mineiro. The team has served as his training base throughout his professional career and remains his camp heading into UFC appearances.
Although details of his formal education are not publicly documented, his development as a fighter reflects a clear focus on martial arts from an early stage. The disciplined environment of Team Lucas Mineiro provided the structure needed to turn professional at a young age.
Path to MMA
Teixeira began his professional MMA career in 2021, competing exclusively at heavyweight. He built his early record fighting in regional Brazilian promotions and through the Legacy Fighting Alliance, where he quickly established himself as a finisher. All of his early wins came via first-round stoppage, demonstrating a strong ability to end fights early.
By the time he had compiled a record of 6-0, Teixeira had caught the attention of UFC scouts. He was booked to compete on Week 6 of Season 8 of Dana White’s Contender Series on September 17, 2024, against fellow Brazilian prospect Arthur Lopes. The Contender Series has long served as a key pipeline into the UFC, and Teixeira was widely viewed as one of the heavyweights to watch on that season’s card.
He delivered on that promise, scoring a first-round knockout over Lopes and being awarded a UFC contract by Dana White. The finish signaled his arrival on the global stage and set up his transition to the world’s premier MMA organization.
Tallison Teixeira Career
Early Career (2021–2024)
Teixeira started his professional career in 2021, fighting primarily in Brazil and for the Legacy Fighting Alliance. Competing as a heavyweight, he went 6-0 during this stretch, with every victory coming by way of first-round stoppage. The streak established him as a dangerous finisher in the regional ranks.
His performance drew the attention of UFC matchmakers, and he was invited to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series. On September 17, 2024, he faced fellow unbeaten Brazilian prospect Arthur Lopes and earned a first-round knockout, securing his spot on the UFC roster. The win served as the bridge from regional prospect to UFC signee.
UFC Debut and Breakthrough (2024–2025)
Teixeira was originally scheduled to face Łukasz Brzeski at UFC 310 on December 7, 2024, but he withdrew from the bout due to injury and was replaced by Kennedy Nzechukwu. The setback delayed his octagon debut, but did not diminish his standing as a prospect. He remained on the UFC’s radar and quickly rebooked.
Teixeira made his official UFC debut on February 8, 2025, at UFC 312, where he faced Justin Tafa. He delivered a stunning performance, winning the bout via knockout just 35 seconds into the first round. The finish earned him the Performance of the Night bonus and immediately announced him as a finisher to watch in the heavyweight division.
Following the win, Teixeira was matched up against former UFC Heavyweight Championship challenger Derrick Lewis in the main event of UFC on ESPN 70 on July 12, 2025. The bout was a major step up in competition, but Teixeira was stopped by technical knockout 35 seconds into the first round, marking his first professional loss. The result served as a valuable learning experience for the rising heavyweight.
Style and Strengths
Teixeira is a tall, rangy orthodox heavyweight who uses his 6-foot-8 frame and 83-inch reach to control distance and dictate striking exchanges. His finishing instinct has been a defining trait, with most of his victories coming inside the opening round. Training out of Team Lucas Mineiro, he has developed a striking-oriented style built on timing, power, and the ability to end fights quickly.
Notable Events and Milestones
His most notable milestone came on February 8, 2025, when he knocked out Justin Tafa in 35 seconds at UFC 312 to claim the Performance of the Night bonus. His first-round finish of Arthur Lopes on Dana White’s Contender Series secured his UFC contract, while his main event booking against Derrick Lewis represented his highest-profile assignment to date.
Tallison Teixeira Career Wins
Across his professional career, Teixeira has compiled a record built largely on first-round finishes. His wins have come primarily through knockout, and he has been recognized with UFC post-fight bonuses for his finishing ability. Below is a summary of his verified victories across his professional career.
UFC Wins
Teixeira’s most prominent UFC win came in his promotional debut, a 35-second knockout of Justin Tafa at UFC 312 on February 8, 2025. The victory earned him a Performance of the Night bonus and established him as one of the most talked-about heavyweight prospects of 2025. As of October 28, 2025, he holds the #15 spot in the UFC Heavyweight rankings.
Other Wins and Performances
Outside the UFC, Teixeira built a 6-0 record fighting in Brazil and for the Legacy Fighting Alliance, finishing all of those opponents in the first round. His knockout of Arthur Lopes on Dana White’s Contender Series stands as the win that launched his UFC career.
Tallison Teixeira Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Tallison Teixeira Silva’s family background and parents is not documented in available sources. He is a native of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil.
Personal Life
Teixeira is currently based in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, where he trains at Team Lucas Mineiro. There is no public information regarding a spouse, children, or marital status.
2025 Season Performance
Teixeira’s 2025 campaign began with one of the most talked-about heavyweight debuts of the year, a 35-second knockout of Justin Tafa at UFC 312 that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. The finish propelled him into the UFC Heavyweight rankings and set the tone for a breakout season. It also established him as a finisher to watch in a division long defined by knockout power.
Midway through the year, Teixeira was elevated into the main event slot against veteran Derrick Lewis at UFC on ESPN 70 on July 12, 2025. The matchup was a major test against a former UFC Heavyweight Championship challenger, but he was stopped 35 seconds into the first round by technical knockout. The loss served as his first professional defeat and provided a measuring stick for the level of competition remaining in his development.
Heading into the back half of 2025, Teixeira sits at #15 in the official UFC Heavyweight rankings as of October 28, 2025. With a clear finishing tool, a respected camp in Team Lucas Mineiro, and a full season of UFC experience under his belt, the Brazilian remains one of the more intriguing heavyweight prospects heading into the next calendar year.
