Seasoned veteran Glover Teixeira will have his second and most likely last chance to become a UFC champion next Saturday. Paired up against champion Jan Blachowicz for UFC 267’s main event, the 42-year-old feels readier than ever to challenge for the belt.
In his first try, Teixeira dropped a unanimous decision to then light heavyweight king Jon Jones, back in 2013. Eight years later, the Brazilian claims to be in a better place both phisically and mentally, which he believes will make all the difference in order to defeat Blachowicz.
“I represent Brazil, I’ve been through so many adversities in my career.” Glover told Ag Fight. “I got hit a lot, but I kept walking forward with brutality, strength, will and hope and that’s what I’m going to do. Everyone knows my style. I’ll look for this win with aggressiveness.”
“For sure (I’m better now). Mentally, phisically and experience-wise, better prepared. Of course I have to consider the age thing. But, to be honest, if you look at my most recent performances and watch my cardio, my strength, it’s looking good. I feel great. Blachowicz is right to expect my best version. I’ve dedicated myself fully for this fight and I’ll do everything to get that win.”
When it comes to the fight itself, Glover believes he has enough striking skills to hang with Blachowicz on the feet, but feels no need to take the chance. Instead, Teixeira feels like he will have a higher chance of success and is less likely to get finished if he takes the fight to the ground.
“I fight well on the feet. I have knockout power, but I sure am going to try to take him down. If I have a chance, I will take him down. I’m really focused on my jiu-jitsu, I think it’s one of the best in the world for MMA. I’m really focused on doing that, but if there’s an opening, I’ll knock him out.”
Teixeira (32-7) earned his title shot after putting together a five-fight winning streak, during which he beat Thiago Santos, Anthony Smith, Nikita Krylov, Ion Cutelaba and Karl Roberson. The 42-year-old’s last defeat happened in July 2018, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Corey Anderson.
Now, Teixeira is expected to take on Blachowicz for the light heavyweight title at UFC 267’s main event, on October 30. The card is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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