Glover Teixeira has shared the Octagon with both main event fighters at UFC 197.
Teixeira, who returns to action this weekend against Rashad Evans at UFC on FOX 19, bested Ovince Saint Preux and was defeated by Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title.
So, with Jones and OSP set to meet for the interim belt, who better than Teixeira to discuss what might transpire when the cage door closes in Las Vegas.
“I think Jon Jones has a big advantage because he was in camp already, and he’s got a better ground game and is a better wrestler,” said Teixeira, during an interview with MMAjunkie. “‘OSP’ is a tricky fighter. He’s got that chance, but it’s going to be a tough fight for him.”
Teixeira scored a win over Saint Preux last year and will carry a 24-4 overall mark into his bout with Evans, a former champion himself.
“Jon Jones is a champion for a reason,” Teixeira said. “He’s a very tough, well-rounded fighter. It’s one of those things. I’m not rooting for anybody over here. I think they both deserve a chance because they work hard.”