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Glover Teixeira is willing to step out of character in order to get a UFC light heavyweight title shot before Israel Adesanya.
The veteran Brazilian returns to the Octagon this Saturday in the main event of UFC Vegas 13, opposite compatriot Thiago “Maretta” Santos, in what many see as a possible title eliminator bout.
The 41-year old Teixeira is enjoying a career resurgence as of late, posting an impressive four-fight winning streak, with the latest being a 5th-round TKO win over former title contender Anthony Smith back in May.
Santos, meanwhile, is coming off a long layoff following a loss to Jon Jones back in 2019. Santos lost a close split decision against Jones in one of the light heavyweight great’s toughest tests.
Now, Teixeira and Santos - both former title challengers - are looking to inch closer to UFC gold once again, but their potential title shots are in jeopardy of being delayed thanks to reigning middleweight champ Adesanya, who plans to move up and challenge reigning 205-pound champion Jan Blachowicz.
Asked whether he was disappointed in the development, Glover Teixeira told the media ahead of UFC Vegas 13 that he had no reason to be disappointed yet.
“Not yet, I’m not disappointed, it didn’t happen yet, everything is possible.”
Glover Teixeira added that he’s willing to do some trash talking of his own, if it means that he can get a title shot ahead of Adesanya.
“We’ll see after this fight. We could over there and make some noise.”
Not really known for his trash talking, Teixeira understands that hype makes fights, and he says he's prepared to do some talking to get what he wants.
“I never really talk too much sh*t, but If I have to do a little bit to promote this fight and take Adesanya out of there and get the title fight, that’s what I’m gonna do,” Teixeira added. "Send him back to the 185-pound division."
Glover Teixeira targets one more crack at UFC gold
Brazilian light heavyweight veteran Glover Teixeira is inching towards another shot at the 205-pound crown after stringing together four wins in a row.
On Saturday, he returns to the Octagon to take on fellow Brazilian Thiago Santos in what could determine the next title challenger in the light heavyweight division.
Considering Glover Teixeira's tenure in the UFC, it's quite impressive that the 41-year old is once again knocking on the door of a title shot.
Debuting back in 2012, Teixeira was best known as Chuck Liddell's training partner. Five straight UFC wins later, Glover Teixeira was carving his own path and challenging Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight championship.
While Glover Teixeira came up short against Jones, many believed that he would be back in the mix sooner rather than later.
His next few years in the UFC would be a roller coaster ride however, as he went 5-4 in his next nine fights.
Following a loss to Corey Anderson, Teixeira turned things around and picked up four consecutive wins leading to Saturday's high-stakes matchup against Santos.
If Teixeira can keep his streak going, there's no denying that he's next in line at 205-pounds, whoever the champion may be by the time he gets his shot.
