After learning that Thiago Silva had withdrew from UFC 149, it appeared the UFC was aiming to promote another Brazilian in Glover Teixeira, but Mauricio “Shogun” Rua’s camp reportedly turned down the offer.
But according to TATAME.com, Rua and his camp have denied the rumors and they were also unaware of Silva’s injury.
“(Turning down a fight with Glover) it’s not true at all,” Rua’s manager Julio Heller said.
Teixeira made his debut last weekend at UFC 146 and defeated Kyle Kingsbury in the opening round. Despite only competing in his first fight with the company, Teixeira is veteran in the sport, having fought in over 20 professional bouts. His dominant victory over Kingsbury should earn a rapid rise throughout the rankings at 205 pounds.
Although Rua and his camp have yet to accept the bout, there is little upside to facing Teixeira for the former UFC light heavyweight champion. Rua is coming off a close unanimous decision loss to Dan Henderson at UFC 137 last year.
However, due to Teixeira’s sudden impact, the UFC might want to jump on the Brazilian’s early success and try to build him as a potential contender.
And with other competitors out due to injury or already scheduled to fight, whether he approves the matchup or not, may have to settle with Teixeira.
Regardless, Rua will be featured in the co-main event when the UFC makes a trip to Calgary, Alberta on July 21.
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