On September 4, 2013, at UFC on Fox Sports 1 No. 3, light heavyweight contenders Glover Teixeira (No. 3) and Ryan Bader (No. 10) will clash in an effort to move up the divisional rankings.
For Teixeira, a win over Bader wouldn’t necessarily earn the Brazilian a title shot. However, he would be able to keep his standing as a top contender for the light heavyweight championship title.
The two combatants were scheduled to face each other in May 2013. However, citing an injury, Bader was sidelined and replaced by James Te Huna at UFC 160.
Teixeira went on to submit the New Zealander via guillotine choke in two minutes, 38 seconds in the very first round. The finish earned the Brazilian Submission of the Night honors, garnering him an extra $50,000.
In an interview with MMA Junkie, regarding Bader, Teixeira stated:
They gave me Ryan Bader for my last fight. He’s a big name, but it ended up being James Te Huna. They’re all tough guys, don’t get me wrong. The big names can make a difference for exposure, but those up-and-coming guys are tough, too. I really don’t care. I know sooner or later, I’m going to get that title.
A victory over a once highly touted and formidable Bader on September 4 would not only pad Teixeira’s resume with a name opponent and extend his 19–fight win streak, it would also build credibility for a fighter who hasn’t defeated any of the current top-10 light heavyweights in his division.