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At UFC 267, Glover Teixeira became the oldest first-time champion in UFC history. At 42 years old, Teixeira submitted Jan Blachowicz in the second round to capture the UFC light heavyweight championship.
Teixeira was an underdog heading into the bout and some had suggested the veteran might have retired should he have failed to win. Instead, Teixeira's victory has set up a number of potential bouts.
While one potential contender was discussed during his post-fight interview and certainly seems the odds on favorite to be Teixeira's next opponent, the UFC is an unpredictable place. It would not be the first time fans anticipated getting one title bout and ending up with another.
The top of the UFC light heavyweight rankings is packed with dangerous challengers. With all of these men capable of producing shocking knockouts, there is definitely potential to climb the rankings in a hurry.
On top of this, Glover stated he did not wish to fight again until May. This leaves plenty of time for the landscape of the division to change.
#5. Jan Blachowicz vs. Glover Teixeira II
Ordinarily, when the champion drops his belt, a rematch is at least considered. That doesn't seem to be happening in this case given the dominant nature of Glover Teixeira's victory over Jan Blachowicz.
Blachowicz himself admitted that he likely will have to pick up some wins to earn a rematch. While this might eliminate him from being Glover's next bout in some people's eyes, it doesn't seem completely impossible just yet.
Blachowicz did not take much damage in the loss, so you can presume that he might be able to return to the octagon relatively soon. Should he pick up an impressive victory or two before May, his chances would drastically improve.
If the UFC are left searching for a worthy opponent to take on Glover at short notice, they could certainly do a lot worse than Blachowicz.
#4. Anthony Smith vs. Glover Teixeira II
Anthony Smith is riding a wave of momentum that could feasibly lead to him becoming the next challenger for Glover Teixeira. He's already challenged for the belt previously, is ranked No.4 and is coming off the back of three first round finishes.
There would be a great story behind a potential rematch between these two. Smith looked great in the first round before being overwhelmed and the fight getting stopped in the fifth round. Watching Smith look to get that loss back and win the title that has eluded him previously would be compelling viewing.
Another factor that may work in Smith's favor is the current timeline. Smith is traditionally less active in the summer months so that he can spend time with his family. In winter, however, he competes regularly. This gives Smith ample opportunity to rack up a couple more victories before May. Should he accomplish this, 'Lionheart' might become the rightful number one contender.
#3. Aleksandar Rakic vs. Glover Teixeira
Aleksandar Rakic has been calling for a number one contender bout for some time now. Teixeira's announcement that he wants to fight in May may mean that he ends up getting that fight.
This provides the most straight-forward path to the title we've seen on this list thus far. Rakic could take on Jiri Prochazka early next year. Winning that bout would all-but-guarantee him a shot at Teixeira's gold.
Rakic would certainly be a tough one for Teixeira, given that he's only lost once in his UFC career thus far. He's defeated Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos in his last two bouts.
While Teixeira vs. Rakic may not be the most high-profile bout given Rakic is yet to establish himself as a "big name," it is certainly not outside the realms of possibility that this could be the fight to make in May.
#2. Israel Adesanya vs. Glover Teixeira
Given Israel Adesanya has already tried to move up and win the light heavyweight championship, you have to think he was watching Glover Teixeira's win with interest.
Adesanya has consistently stated that he is keen to once again try and add the light heavyweight gold to the middleweight championship he already holds. One potential issue is that Adesanya will likely face Robert Whittaker early next year.
However, if Adesanya is to win that fight and not take too much damage, just as he did in his last bout against Whittaker, the Teixeira fight could make a lot of sense. Given Adesanya's popularity, if he wants this fight, it's plausible he could get it.
We have seen the UFC enjoy putting together these champion vs. champion events and there's no reason they would not like this idea either. On top of that, Adesanya vs. Teixeira is likely the biggest possible next bout for Glover.
#1. Jiri Prochazka vs. Glover Teixeira
In all likelihood, the next fight against Glover Teixeira is Jiri Prochazka's to lose. He is currently the clear number one contender in the division and was even named by Teixeira as the likely next challenger in his post-fight interview.
With that being said, Teixeira wanting to wait until May could mean Prochazka has to take another fight before then.
While he has made it clear he does not want to do this, not doing so could lead to another contender leapfrogging him. Prochazka has not fought since May of this year and it's doubtful the UFC would want to reward a year of inactivity with a title shot.
If that does prove to be the case, the obvious next fight for Prochazka would be against Aleksandar Rakic. Should Prochazka pick up a victory in that bout, he would likely cement his place as Teixeira's next opponent.
