Veteran fighter Chris Curtis is making a significant change by dropping down to welterweight for his next fight after spending over four years in the middleweight division. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) confirmed this exciting matchup in a press release on Tuesday. Curtis, who holds a record of 31 wins, 12 losses, and one no contest, will face off against Max Griffin, who has a record of 20 wins and 11 losses. This welterweight clash is scheduled for UFC Nashville on July 12, 2025.
Breaking the news first, Magic MMA Bets reported the booking of this compelling matchup. For Curtis, this fight represents not just a return to the 170-pound division but also an opportunity to bounce back from a tough streak. He has lost his last two fights, including a heartbreaking defeat to Roman Kopylov last January. That fight ended dramatically when Kopylov landed a head kick that knocked Curtis out in the final second, although Curtis did earn Fight of the Night honors for that hard-fought battle.
At 37 years old, Curtis has a history of competing in different weight classes. He fought as a welterweight during his time with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2019 and has also competed at light heavyweight in regional promotions before joining the UFC in 2021. This latest move back to welterweight comes with high stakes, as Curtis aims to re-establish himself in the division.
Max Griffin, known as “Pain,” will be welcoming Curtis back to welterweight. Griffin's recent record shows he is 2-2 in his last four bouts, and he is coming off a loss to Michael Chiesa in December 2024. This matchup will mark Griffin's first fight of 2025, adding additional importance as both fighters look to regain momentum.
The event, UFC Nashville, is set to take place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The main event features a heavyweight bout between Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira, a highly anticipated clash that promises to deliver excitement. Fans can also look forward to several other intriguing matchups on the fight card that includes:
- Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira
- Lauren Murphy vs. Eduarda Moura
- Fatima Kline vs. Melissa Martinez
- Vitor Petrino vs. Austen Lane
- Calvin Kattar vs. Steve Garcia
- Robert Valentin vs. Ateba Abega Gautier
- Tuco Tokkos vs. Junior Tafa
- Chidi Njokuani vs. Jake Matthews
- Chris Curtis vs. Max Griffin
Mark your calendars for UFC Nashville on July 12, 2025. With Chris Curtis returning to welterweight and taking on Max Griffin, the fight promises to be an essential chapter in both fighters' careers. Expect a high-paced showdown as Curtis seeks redemption, while Griffin aims to secure a decisive victory in front of his fans.
