Tallison Teixeira

Early Life & Martial Roots

Born on December 7, 1999, in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil, Tallison Teixeira da Silva—nicknamed “Xicão”—began his martial arts journey at just eight years old. He trained in Brazilian jiu‑jitsu, eventually earning three national amateur titles and two Bahia state championships on the mats. Originally aiming for a professional jiu‑jitsu career, he later transitioned to MMA under the guidance of Olympic boxer Laudelino “Lino” Barros. Moving to São José do Rio Preto in São Paulo, he expanded his skill set with Muay Thai and kickboxing before launching his pro MMA career

Professional Debut & Rise

Teixeira turned professional in October 2021, debuting with a swift inverted-triangle armbar submission and then delivering multiple first-round knockouts in regional Brazilian promotions. By May 2024, he was 6–0, with all victories coming in the first round—a testament to his explosive finishing ability.

Dana White’s Contender Series

On September 17, 2024, Teixeira appeared on Dana White’s Contender Series (Season 8, Week 6), facing fellow Brazilian Arthur Lopes. He secured a first-round knockout around the two-minute mark and was awarded a UFC contract on the spot.

UFC Debut & Performance

Tallison made his UFC debut on February 8, 2025 at UFC 312, taking on Justin Tafa. In just 35 seconds, he landed a crushing elbow that broke Tafa’s nose, followed by a flurry ending in a TKO—and earned a Performance of the Night bonus.

Physical Attributes & Fighting Style

At 6′7″ and around 263 lb, with an 83‑inch reach, Teixeira stands out as one of the largest heavyweights on the UFC roster. He fights from an orthodox stance, combining his jiu‑jitsu foundation with powerful striking honed in Muay Thai and kickboxing. Nearly all his wins (7 KOs, 1 submission) have come in the first round—highlighting his explosive power and early aggression.

Career Highlights

• Undefeated Debut in Dana White’s Contender Series – Scored a first‑round KO over Arthur Lopes on September 17, 2024, earning a UFC contract for his dominant performance.

• Explosive UFC Arrival – At UFC 312 (Feb 8, 2025), he knocked out Justin Tafa in 35 seconds with a brutal elbow and straight strikes, earning a Performance of the Night bonus and surprising analysts and fans alike.

• Top-15 Ranking & Main Event Booking – By June 2025, sat at #13 in the UFC heavyweight rankings and secured a main-event slot against record-setting KO legend Derrick Lewis on July 12, 2025.

Tallison “Xicão” Teixeira’s journey—from a decorated jiu-jitsu youth in Bahia to a rising UFC heavyweight contender—is defined by explosive power, early finishes, and a quick ascent through the ranks. At just 25, his blend of elite physical tools, martial discipline, and finisher instincts suggests he could be a key player in the division for years to come.