There are many mixed martial arts events each month, but April’s biggest show will be UFC 172 from Baltimore headlined by the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship fight between Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira.
Saturday will mark Jones’ first title defense since he was involved in a five-round war with Alexander Gustafsson in September of last year—the bout won the Fight of the Night and Fight of the Year awards—and he will face an incredibly tough test against Teixeira.
While Jones will inevitably be the favorite in this matchup, Teixeira has won 20 straight bouts, including his first five fights in the UFC. Teixeira beat the likes of Quinton Jackson and Ryan Bader to earn a spot in the main event.
Even UFC public relations director Dave Sholler is ready for the main event:
Here is all the vital viewing information for Saturday’s pay-per-view, the entire face card and a preview of the main event.
Where: Baltimore Arena, Baltimore, Maryland
When: Saturday, April 26 at 10 p.m. ET
Watch: Pay-per-view (check local cable provider)
Live Stream: UFC.tv (subscription required)
Main Event Preview: Jon Jones vs. Glover Teixeira
While there is no doubt that this is one of the deepest UFC fight cards in a long time, the main focus for fans is the light heavyweight title bout between defending champion Jon Jones and No. 1 contender Glover Teixeira.
Jones comes into the fight on a 10-bout winning streak that includes huge victories over stars like Chael Sonnen, Rashad Evans and the next challenger for the title, Alexander Gustafsson.
As exciting as the main event should be, UFC president Dana White has already announced that the winner of the light heavyweight title fight would take on Gustafsson next, according to Dave Doyle of MMAFighting.com:
After an incredible-five round brawl that was forced to the judges’ scorecards, Jones will be looking for another chance to take down Gustafsson, but the champion understands that he can’t overlook Teixeira.
Jones spoke during the UFC on FOX 11 broadcast about Saturday’s battle, via FightLine.com:
Glover is a phenomenal opponent with power in both hands, is a great wrestler and hasn’t lost in five years. I am totally up for this amazing challenge. I am confident. My versatility (is key). I have a very unpredictable game. Half the time I don’t know what I’m going to do.
The fight is so exciting that even United States Senator John McCain will be ordering the PPV, according to FoxSports.com’s Marc Raimondi:
Both fighters have 30 combined victories in a row, and the resulting battle in the middle of the Octagon will be one of the fiercest this year. With each fighter willing to stand and exchange shots, this has all the earmarks of an instant classic.
Jones is one of the most technically gifted fighters in the sport. Not only does he have the power in his hands and his feet to knock his challengers out with one well-placed strike, but he also has the technical skills to sink in a submission and force his opponents to tap out.
Teixeira is no slouch, though.
During Teixeira’s 20-fight winning streak, 12 victories came via knockout, six came via submission and only two battles have gone the distance.
As strong as Jones has proved to be, he has not squared off against a fighter as willing and able to stand toe-to-toe with him.
Jones has the better wrestling abilities, and that will likely be the difference in this bout. With Teixeira posing a serious threat standing up, Jones understands that his best chance of winning is taking the fight to the ground.
While fans won’t be happy, this should be a long fight that features the champion dominating on the ground and grinding away on his opponent for a decision victory.
Predicted Winner: Jones via unanimous decision
*Stats via UFC.com.
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