A fighter’s success is what helps them elevate their profile and earn bigger opportunities, but oftentimes, setbacks and adversity show the true measure of who they really are. When Glover Teixeira steps into the Octagon to face Phil Davis this weekend at UFC 179, it will be the first time he’s entered a fight coming off of a loss in nearly a decade. And he’s hungrier than ever to get back into the win column.
After a blistering winning streak that saw the Brazilian powerhouse topple the first five opponents he faced under the UFC banner, Teixeira was given the opportunity to face Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title at UFC 172 back in April.
While many believed the 34-year-old John Hackleman-trained fighter had the tools to dethrone the pound-for-pound great, Teixeira had few answers to what the long-reigning champion brought to the table, and the end result was Jones walking away with a lopsided unanimous-decision victory.
There is no question the championship tilt wasn’t Teixeira’s best night inside the cage, and he’s eager to put the bout with Jones behind him. He can do that by defeating the former NCAA Division I national champion wrestler in the co-main event at UFC 179 on Saturday, and that’s precisely what he’s planning to do.
“I feel great, man,” Teixeira told Bleacher Report. “I have trained hard for this fight and I’m ready. I’m so happy to be getting back into the Octagon. Phil is a good fighter. He comes from a wrestling background and I think he’s going to come in there and try to use his wrestling a lot. I think he’s going to be moving around a lot and trying to score points with his wrestling. I’m going to be ready for that and I’ll be looking for the knockout.
“Of course there was more motivation for this fight. I am coming off a loss in my last fight and then I had an injury and that’s why I didn’t fight sooner. But I’m feeling great now and I’m more motivated than ever to get back in there and start climbing the ladder again. This is a big fight for me because I am trying to get back on track and work my way back to become the No. 1 contender again.”
In addition to both fighters battling to rise up the divisional hierarchy in the 205-pound division, the upcoming clash between Teixeira and Davis also presents an interesting stylistic pairing. The Team Alliance Member is a long fighter who relies on his wrestling foundation to get the job done inside the Octagon, while the former title challenger mixes knockout power with a strong submission game.
Yet, while having the ability to finish his opponent with either hand is a plus, Teixeira believes that single attribute isn’t something a fighter can rest upon.
“Power is good to have, but you can’t just rely on that one thing because what is the point of having power if you are unable to hit your opponent?” Teixeira said. “I have been training my footwork and working on my speed and timing a lot. Power definitely helps, but I’ve been working on a lot of different things for this fight.
“I’m confident wherever this fight goes. Whether it’s standing or on the ground; I believe in my skills. I can be dangerous anywhere.”
When Teixeira steps in to face Davis at UFC 179, it will mark the third time in seven appearances he’s competed on his native soil as a UFC fighter. While many Brazilian fighters ultimately aspire to break out of competing in their home country and reach the American fanbase, Teixeira’s rapid rise to popularity has allowed him to do the opposite.
The matchup with Davis will mark another showcase bout for The Pit representative, and he’s eager to put on another show for the passionate Brazilian crowd.
“It’s always great to be fighting in Brazil,” Teixeira said. “The fans are always very excited and loud. They love MMA, and I enjoy fighting in Brazil and being close to my family. I always want to give the fans a show. That is why I train and that’s why I work so hard. When I go out there I can’t just wait around and fight that way. I come out there looking for the knockout and to finish the fight.”
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
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