UFC 153: Silva vs. Bonnar includes a battle in the Light Heavyweight division as Glover Teixeira (18-2 MMA; 1-0 UFC) faces Fabio Maldonado (18-5 MMA; 1-2 UFC). This is the 4th of six fights on the PPV main card. UFC 153 airs live on PPV Saturday night, October 13 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
This fight originally started as Teixeira vs. Rampage Jackson, but, as is the case with the UFC in 2012, injuries derailed those plans. This time, it was Rampage hurt, allowing Maldonado to step in. That’s a bad break for Teixeira, who gets an easier opponent here, but also one without as much prestige. A win over Rampage could have launched Teixeira to the next level. A big win here will be a boost, but with back-to-back loses, Maldonado is just not the same by a long shot.
How do these two stack up?
Teixeira: 32 years old | 6’2″ | 76″ reach
Maldonado: 32 years old | 6’1″ | 75″ reach
What have these two done recently?
Teixeira: W – Kyle Kingsbury (Sub) | W – Ricco Rodriguez (TKO) | W – Marvin Eastman (KO)
Maldonado: L – Igor Pokrajac (UD) | L – Kyle Kingsbury (UD) | W – James McSweeney (TKO)
How did these two get here?
Glover Teixeira has been on the radar for hardcore MMA fans and fans of the Brazilian scene for some time. The Brazilian made his pro debut in 2002, going 2-2 in his first four fights. But since a 2005 loss to Ed Herman, he’s been unstoppable, winning 16 straight. Those include victories over a lot of UFC veterans, including Sokodjou. He made his UFC debut at UFC 146, crushing Kyle Kingsbury in one round. Teixeira joins Alexander Gustafsson on the short list of truly exciting future stars of the Light Heavyweight division. He’s ready to break out with the casual audience – will this be that moment?
Fabio Maldonado came to the UFC in late 2010 with a nice 17-3 record. Key to those 17 victories was Maldonado’s hands, as he brings a more traditional boxing background to MMA. He used that boxing successfully in his run up to the UFC, but has not found much success inside the Octagon. After a good debut win, he’s lost back to back fights, both by decision. I enjoy Maldonado’s style, but his job may be on the line here. If it is, that’s a bad time to be facing the juggernaut that is Teixeira.
Why should you care?
Like I said, Teixeira is on the rise, and he’s rising fast. He’s one of the UFC’s fighters to watch right now, and this could be a big night for him.
More Bloody Elbow coverage of UFC 153:
UFC 153: Silva vs. Bonnar fight card – Mookie Alexander
UFC 153 betting lines – Tim Burke
UFC 153 Bloody Elbow staff picks and predictions – Tim Burke
Minotauro Nogueira vs. Dave Herman Dissection – Dallas Winston
Glover Teixeira vs. Fabio Maldonado Dissection – Dallas Winston
Jon Fitch vs. Erick Silva Dissection – Dallas Winston
Phil Davis vs. Wagner Prado Dissection – Dallas Winston
Demian Maia vs. Rick Story Dissection – Dallas Winston
FX prelim card previews – Fraser Coffeen
Video: UFC 153 weigh-in results
Silva vs. Bonnar through the Cobb vs. Holmes lens – Brent Brookhouse
Can Bonnar make his name against Silva? – Fraser Coffeen
Erick Silva discusses Jon Fitch – Tim Burke
Anderson Silva: 5 signature moves – Jack Slack
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