Jan Blachowicz Can Relate To Glover Teixeira’s Current Position

Jan Blachowicz can see a resemblance to his upcoming opponent Glover Teixeira. There is a light heavyweight title fight going down on the upcoming UFC 267 fight card. This bout is very important for both men involved. Champion Jan Blachowicz gets to prove once again that he belongs at the top of the division, while […]

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Jan Blachowicz can see a resemblance to his upcoming opponent Glover Teixeira.

There is a light heavyweight title fight going down on the upcoming UFC 267 fight card. This bout is very important for both men involved. Champion Jan Blachowicz gets to prove once again that he belongs at the top of the division, while Glover Teixeira could be getting his last shot to be king. Blachowicz has had some time to reflect on his future opponent and seems to have figured him out a bit. Perhaps that is because he sees a bit of himself in Teixeira.

“I think with his age, something changed in his head,” Blachowicz told MMA Fighting. “Now, he know what to do, how to train, how to use his skills. Just his mentality is at the top right now. That’s why he’s #1, and he’s got (a) chance for the title. I was in this place before, but I catch this little bit earlier than him.”

At 38, Blachowicz will be the oldest competitor that the 41-year-old Teixeira has faced in some time. Blachowicz knows what it means to fight for a long career before seeing yourself at the top. Blachowicz began his MMA fighting career back in 2007. He worked his way to the UFC in 2014 and became champion in 2020.

Blachowicz spoke about Teixeira having figured out his training. It seems that is the case since his recent run of winning five in a row got him to this title shot. He spoke a bit about his mentality recently, and Teixeira knows deep inside that he is meant to be a champion. Blachowicz’s recent resume proves that he will be a tough test for Teixeira. Both men will be bringing their A-game to Abu Dhabi on Oct. 30.

Who do you think walks away with the light heavyweight title on Oct. 30 at UFC 267?

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Couture Ready To Accept Teixeira Into The Post-40 Champions Club

Former six-time UFC champion Randy Couture backs Glover Teixeira to join him in the post-40 champs club with a victory over Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267. Teixeira will have the chance to become the second oldest champion in UFC history when he faces Blachowicz at the promotion’s non-pay-per-view numbered event on October 30. Following UFC […]

Continue Reading Couture Ready To Accept Teixeira Into The Post-40 Champions Club at MMA News.

Former six-time UFC champion Randy Couture backs Glover Teixeira to join him in the post-40 champs club with a victory over Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267.

Teixeira will have the chance to become the second oldest champion in UFC history when he faces Blachowicz at the promotion’s non-pay-per-view numbered event on October 30. Following UFC Fight Night 194 in 2018, where the Brazilian’s defeat to Corey Anderson marked his third setback in just five outings, not many would have given Teixeira a chance at climbing back into title contention.

At the age of 41, Teixeira finds himself ranked #1 at 205 pounds and just over a week away from his second championship opportunity. The veteran secured a clash with the current light heavyweight kingpin after building an impressive five-fight win streak, which includes wins over Ion Cu?elaba, Nikita Krylov, Anthony Smith, and Thiago Santos. His destructive and brutal performance against “Lionheart” put the division on notice, but it was his submission of “Marreta” last November that secured a meeting with Blachowicz.

Despite his form, Teixeira is understandably heading to Abu Dhabi as the underdog. After all, Blachowicz is riding a five-fight win streak of his own, one that includes wins against former UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold, legendary Brazilian Ronaldo Souza, Corey Anderson, Dominick Reyes, and current 185-pound king Israel Adesanya. While many still underestimated the Polish behemoth heading into 2021, handing “The Last Stylebender” his first setback certainly changed that.

Nevertheless, Randy Couture, the UFC’s only post-40 champion, believes Teixeira can’t be counted out at UFC 267. Not only is ‘The Natural’ the only man to win gold in his forties, but he did it three times, at UFC 44, 49 and 68. The three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and two-time 205-pound titleholder recently discussed Teixeira’s chances of achieving the rare feat later this month. In an interview with James Lynch, the 58-year-old backed the challenger to perform well on October 30.

“I don’t think you ever count an old dog like Glover Teixeira out. You know, we all have a lot of ups and downs… He’s certainly had his ups and his downs, and I think you’re seeing him back on the upswing. He’s got a lot of fight left in his body and in his heart. So, I think he’s gonna do well.”

Having not fought at heavyweight since a 2002 championship defeat against Ricco Rodriguez, Couture returned to the weight class at UFC 268 in 2007. At the age of 43, the Washington-born legend challenged Tim Sylvia for the belt. After five rounds, Couture secured his third heavyweight title triumph via unanimous decision.

Teixeira will be hoping to display a similar level of longevity by having UFC gold wrapped around his waist for the first time at UFC 267. According to the champ, the Brazilian will be KO’d into retirement in Abu Dhabi.

Do you think Glover Teixeira will become the UFC’s second post-40 champion at UFC 267?

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EXCLUSIVE | Jan Blachowicz Won’t Rush Finish Of ‘Old Fox’ Glover Teixeira

Jan BlachowiczJan Blachowicz insists he will not make the same mistakes past opponents have against Glover Teixeira when he squares off against the Brazilian for the light-heavyweight title at UFC 267 on October 30 in Abu Dhabi. The 41-year-old was hurt in successive fights against Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos before he rallied back to score […]

Jan Blachowicz

Jan Blachowicz insists he will not make the same mistakes past opponents have against Glover Teixeira when he squares off against the Brazilian for the light-heavyweight title at UFC 267 on October 30 in Abu Dhabi.

The 41-year-old was hurt in successive fights against Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos before he rallied back to score stoppage victories in both bouts.

During a recent interview with LowKickMMA, Blachowicz noted the durability of his next opponent and insisted he will not be rushing his work at UFC 267.

Jan Blachowicz Understands That Glover Teixeira Won’t Go Down Easy

“You cannot be too fast because he is a smart guy, an old fox,” Blachowicz told James Lynch. “(He has) a lot of experience. He knows how to survive. He can grab you in his game so, you need to wait a little bit. Like (Alexander) Gustafsson, Gustafsson waited until the fifth round to knock him out. This is also something that I want to do. If I hit him hard, if I see that he will go down I will wait. ‘Okay, stand up, let’s go a little bit more.’ He will not catch me in his game. I’m going to be ready for it.”

The Polish knockout artist went on to liken Teixeira to another Brazilian legend who is known for being something of a wizard on the mat. Despite his high praise of Texeira’s ground game, Blachowicz insists it won’t be an issue come fight night.

“Every opponent is different, but I think that Jacare (Ronaldo Souza) is maybe a little bit similar,” Blachowicz said. “Maybe if (Luke) Rockhold will take me down (he’s) a similar level on the ground. But, you know, both of them will not take me down. So, Glover also will not take me down. My wrestling right now is really good. So, we will see. Like it told you, every opponent is a little bit different. Different style, different moves, so, I have to be ready for completely something different this time.”

Do you think Jan Blachowicz is right to be wary ahead of UFC 267?

Jiri Prochazka Confirms He’s Backup for Jan Blachowicz/Glover Teixeira

Jiri ProchazkaSurging UFC light heavyweight contender Jiri Prochazka will serve as the backup fighter to the upcoming Jan Blachowicz vs. Glover Teixeira title fight at UFC 267, as he confirmed during a recent interview with LowKickMMA’s James Lynch. Prochazka is fresh off his dominant win over Dominick Reyes at UFC Vegas 25 earlier this year, in […]

Jiri Prochazka

Surging UFC light heavyweight contender Jiri Prochazka will serve as the backup fighter to the upcoming Jan Blachowicz vs. Glover Teixeira title fight at UFC 267, as he confirmed during a recent interview with LowKickMMA’s James Lynch.

Prochazka is fresh off his dominant win over Dominick Reyes at UFC Vegas 25 earlier this year, in which he completely overwhelmed the former two-time light heavyweight title challenger en route to a TKO victory. The former Rizin champion has been electric since signing with the UFC, with back-to-back finishes over Reyes and Volkan Oezdemir.

Prochazka has been on the sidelines ever since, as he awaits what can be presumed as the next shot at the light heavyweight title. During his sit-down with Lynch, Prochazka talked about what’s next for him.

“I’m still the backup plan for [Blachowicz vs. Teixeira],” Prochazka said. “Right now I’m prepared for that. I need to keep my weight down for this fight for the weigh-in and I’ll be there to see the fight live. Those are my potential next opponents, and I want to be ready for them.”

Blachowicz has been a dominant champion since earning the vacant belt over Reyes at UFC 253. Earlier this year, he showcased his elite grappling to stifle Israel Adesanya at UFC 259. Prochazka would present a unique problem for both Blachowicz and Teixeira, as his style is seen as uncommon in today’s MMA.

Prochazka has some of the toughest striking to figure out in the UFC’s light heavyweight division; constantly using his quick lateral movement to confuse his opposition. He also has a textbook personality of a martial artist, training at times in the forests of the Czech Republic and showing the poise of a fight-game veteran.

Prochazka has been the target of some of the top light heavyweight contenders as of late on social media, including Aleksandar Rakic. If he ends up getting a shot on short notice at UFC 267, Prochazka intends on making the most of the opportunity.

What is your reaction to Jiri Prochazka’s recent interview with James Lynch?

Glover Teixeira: Israel Adesanya Is ‘Sh*t Scared’ Of Alex Pereira

Glover TeixeiraGlover Teixeira believes Israel Adesanya is quaking in his boots now that Alex Pereira is officially a UFC fighter. The kickboxing phenom (3-1 MMA) is set to make his promotional debut when he takes on Andreas Michailidis at UFC 268. Pereira is best known in MMA circles for picking up two wins over ‘Stylebender’ in […]

Glover Teixeira

Glover Teixeira believes Israel Adesanya is quaking in his boots now that Alex Pereira is officially a UFC fighter.

The kickboxing phenom (3-1 MMA) is set to make his promotional debut when he takes on Andreas Michailidis at UFC 268.

Pereira is best known in MMA circles for picking up two wins over ‘Stylebender’ in Glory. The Brazilian first beat Adesanya by decision in 2016 before knocking him out cold in their 2017 rematch.

During a recent appearance on MMA Fighting’s Portuguese-language podcast Trocação Franca, Teixeira said he believes Adesanya fears a third fight with his training partner.

“Daddy’s in the UFC,” Teixeira said. “Adesanya doesn’t wanna talk about it, ‘This guy is just getting here,’ but he knows it’s a tough one for him. No one gives Adesanya more trouble at 185 than him. I’m not saying he’s going to win, it’s another fight, another time, another style, but Adesanya must be praying, ‘For the love of God, put someone like Phil Davis for this guy.”

“He hits your right rib and the left rib hurts,” Teixeira added with a laugh. “Adesanya is no match for him. First of all, he’ll be coming in sh*t-scared. [Pereira] knocked him out with 10-ounce gloves. With four-ounce gloves on his hand now… And Adesanya doesn’t have the knockout power Poatan has. He’s f*cking good, don’t get me wrong, Adesanya is awesome, but he doesn’t hit like him. Adesanya hits like a normal guy, Poatan is not normal.”

The middleweight king is arguably the best striker in MMA but Teixeira expects Adesanya would try to wrestle Pereira if they square off inside the Octagon.

“Adesanya has no ground game, at least based on what I saw in his last fight,” Teixeira said. “Adesanya has no ground and wrestling to take Poatan down. In fact, I think Poatan is better than him.”

“I won’t tell you he’s one of the best, a ‘Jacare’ or Rodolfo Vieira on the ground,” Teixeira added. “But he defends well on the ground, has good defensive wrestling, and the way he moves on the feet makes it tougher to close the distance. I have good takedowns, but it’s hard to get to him. I expect him to do well in the UFC.”

The UFC 267 headliner admits that the road to a middleweight title shot will not be easy for his friend.

“I do believe it’s tougher to get to Adesanya than fighting him today,” Teixeira said. “If they put him against Adesanya right off the bat, I believe it’s easier for him than getting to Adesanya. Styles make fights. For example, I beat Marreta’ [Thiago Santos] and Marreta knocked out Blachowicz, and Blachowicz knocked out a guy that defeated me, Corey Anderson.

“I told [Pereira] that striking in MMA is a bit different than striking in kickboxing. You’re more relaxed in kickboxing, you don’t need too much footwork and things like that, and he knows it. He’s super smart, he’s a high-level athlete. He’s not just a kickboxer, he’s a high-level athlete with incredible power, incredible preparation, and I believe he’ll do well in the UFC.”

Do you agree with Glover Teixeira? Is Israel Adesanya worried by Alex Pereira signing with the UFC?

Smith Says Teixeira Title Win Would Give Him & Other Fighters Hope

Anthony Smith says he’s backing former opponent Glover Teixeira to defeat Jan Blachowicz in their title bout taking place 30 October. Smith lost emphatically to Teixeira in May last year in what was perhaps the worst example of a delayed stoppage in re…

Anthony Smith says he’s backing former opponent Glover Teixeira to defeat Jan Blachowicz in their title bout taking place 30 October. Smith lost emphatically to Teixeira in May last year in what was perhaps the worst example of a delayed stoppage in recent MMA history. Smith was literally picking his teeth up from the canvas […]

Continue Reading Smith Says Teixeira Title Win Would Give Him & Other Fighters Hope at MMA News.