Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith has made his prediction for Jan Blachowicz vs. Glover Teixeira, and claims there’s one factor that will determine who emerges victorious.
At UFC 267, Blachowicz is set to defend his title …
Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith has made his prediction for Jan Blachowicz vs. Glover Teixeira, and claims there’s one factor that will determine who emerges victorious.
At UFC 267, Blachowicz is set to defend his title against a member of the 205-pound roster for the first time. After winning the vacant title with a second-round TKO against Dominick Reyes at UFC 253, the Polish star made his first defense just over five months later.
The 38-year-old welcomed middleweight king Israel Adesanya to light heavyweight at UFC 259. While many had expected “The Last Stylebender” to become the latest two-division UFC titleholder, Blachowicz wasn’t about to let that happen. He defeated Adesanya via unanimous decision after a fairly comfortable five rounds of action.
Having fought off the challenge from below, Blachowicz will now look to do the same against the top contender in his own division. On October 30, he’ll hope to stop the late-career charge of Brazilian veteran Glover Teixeira. Despite the 41-year-old’s recent form, the champ has politely suggested he’ll KO him into retirement.
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Ahead of the unique non-pay-per-view numbered event, #4-ranked light heavyweight Anthony Smith has given his take on his division’s upcoming title clash. Speaking to MMA reporter James Lynch, “Lionheart” admitted that he’d like to see Teixeira’s story conclude with a championship crowning.
“Part of me hopes Glover, just for the story. It would be cool for both of those guys at some point in time to retire as world champions, or having won a world title.”
Smith later revealed what he believes to be the one crucial factor that will determine the victor on October 30. If Teixeira can’t take Blachowicz down, the 33-year-old doesn’t believe he can leave Abu Dhabi with the light heavyweight gold.
“If Glover can stay safe and not get caught with anything clean, I think Glover is the more well-rounded guy. Jan’s gonna be really hard to take down though. If Glover can’t take him down I don’t think he can beat him. He’s just, from range, Glover’s not as fast as he used to be, his reactions aren’t as good as they used to be, which takes away a lot of his counter striking.
“If Glover can’t drag him down and get him tired and slow him down a little bit, he’s gonna have a really tough time.”
Speaking about the champ, Smith suggested the Pole doesn’t possess many holes in his game that Teixeira will be able to exploit. Despite rooting for the Brazilian, “Lionheart” predicted that Blachowicz will retain come October 30.
“There’s not a whole lot of weaknesses in his [Blachowicz’s] game though. He doesn’t do a lot, which I don’t mean as a knock. He’s never out of position, there’s nothing fancy, it’s straight one-twos down the pipe; a random uppercut here and there. For the most part he doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. I’m really excited for that fight… I’ll give you a prediction. I hope Glover Teixeira wins, but if I had to die on that hill, I would bet Jan Blachowicz.”
Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 267, Jan Blachowicz or Glover Teixeira?
Jan Blachowicz knows that time is ticking on the career of Glover Teixeira.
Few expected to see Teixeira back in title contention after fighting Jon Jones for the strap in 2014. Yet alas, at age 42, the Brazilian will be facing champ Blachowicz for…
Jan Blachowicz knows that time is ticking on the career of Glover Teixeira.
That said, Blachowicz is aware that the window is closing on Teixeira’s career, as he explained in a recent interview with TSN. While he is understanding of the position of his opponent, the champ says that this will likely bring the best version of Teixeira to the Octagon, as he is facing the end of his career.
“I believe he will be in the best shape ever because it could be his last chance for a title shot. One of the last fights in his career, because age is something that you can’t stop. So he’s going to do everything to get the belt and I have to be ready for everything. He’s going to be the best version of himself, but that don’t change anything because I will also be the best version of myself and I will defend the belt,” Blachowicz said.
To be clear, Glover Teixeira has expressed no plans to retire if he loses to Jan Blachowicz, but there is no denying that he is closer to that point than not. So it is good to see the champ expecting an all out war with the Brazilian, knowing that Teixeira has virtually nothing to lose heading into this contest.
Jan Blachowicz vs Glover Teixeira is set to headline UFC 267, which is set to go down this weekend. While this card is traditionally one that would air on pay-per-view, it will actually be taking place on ESPN+ for no additional charges, meaning that fans can watch this, as well as the interim title bout between Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen, without shelling out $70.
Jan Blachowicz is excited about the prospect of facing one of the hottest contenders in the sport, Jiri Prochazka. The UFC Light Heavyweight champion wants the fight to be a headliner in Europe and expects that it can be done. Blachowicz had nothing but praise for the former Rizin Light Heavyweight champion, citing his unique […]
Jan Blachowicz is excited about the prospect of facing one of the hottest contenders in the sport, Jiri Prochazka. The UFC Light Heavyweight champion wants the fight to be a headliner in Europe and expects that it can be done.
Blachowicz had nothing but praise for the former Rizin Light Heavyweight champion, citing his unique and erratic fighting style and his impressive two-fight run in the UFC thus far.
“Great run for him,” Blachowicz said about Prochazka when speaking to MMA Fighting. “He’s a crazy fighter but in a good way. Crazy, weird style but he knows how to use it. I believe I will fight against Glover and then maybe in the future with Jiri, but somewhere in Europe.
“If I have to fight Jiri, we have to do it in Poland or somewhere in Europe, because all of Europe would like to come and see this fight live. First of all, I have to beat Glover. The focus is on him. I hope so nothing will change cause when I beat Glover, maybe my next opponent will be Jiri, but this fight has to not be in Abu Dhabi, not in USA, in Europe.”
Both Blachowicz and Prochazka hail from neighboring European countries, Poland and the Czech Republic, and the prospect of building that fight in a major European stadium is extremely realistic.
Jan Blachowicz Wants To Main Event In Poland
“If this fight will happen, I hope it will be in Poland in the national stadium — 60,000 people will come to watch this fight,” Blachowicz said.
In terms of how the fight would play out stylistically, Blachowicz admits it would be a good fight with Jiri’s interesting style in the octagon.
“Weird style, crazy style, nice to watch,” Blachowicz said. “Against me, I think it’s going to be a good fight. Maybe in the future, we will see.
“I’m very excited because we still have good fighters, young fighters. They come to the UFC and they motivate me to go to the gym and train hard. I want to say thanks to Jiri, thanks to [Aleksandr] Rakic because they motivate me to be the champion. To go and train hard.”
It seems like these two light heavyweights are on a collision course in the future. No doubt this fight would be huge and could headline anywhere in the world.
When do we see Jan Blachowicz vs Jiri Prochazka? Who wins?
When others didn’t, Glover Teixeira saw in Jan Blachowicz a champion in waiting, the Brazilian has revealed. The duo, who will face off for the light heavyweight crown this Saturday, has spent much of UFC 267 fight week doling out wholesome amounts of respect for each other. Blachowicz has said that he’ll be wary of […]
When others didn’t, Glover Teixeira saw in Jan Blachowicz a champion in waiting, the Brazilian has revealed.
The duo, who will face off for the light heavyweight crown this Saturday, has spent much of UFC 267 fight week doling out wholesome amounts of respect for each other. Blachowicz has said that he’ll be wary of the wily “old fox” Teixeira, noting that his advanced years are an asset, rather than a liability. And he who wields the Legendary Polish Power even sang “Happy Birthday” for Glover at the UFC 267 press conference.
Jan and the crowd singing Happy Birthday to Glover
Now, Teixeira has dispensed a little love back at the champ. Speaking at a fight week media scrum, the 41-year-old revealed that he knew Blachowicz would become champion even before he stepped into the Octagon with Dominick Reyes in September last year.
“I told my friends that he was gonna win that fight [against Dominick Reyes],” said Teixeira. “I told my friend. I said, ‘Hey, Jan’s gonna beat Reyes.’ Because everybody talk about Reyes. Reyes walk around like he’s the champion already, and Jan just come humble and relaxing. And I [said] to my friend, ‘Hey, he’s gonna be champion.’ I remember saying that.”
It hasn’t, however, been all bromantic gestures between the duo. Blachowicz has said that he’ll knock Teixeira out with one punch, while Glover told media that “somebody is going to get hurt, and it’s going to be Jan Blachowicz.” They are, after all, going to be locked in a cage to fight for UFC gold come Saturday.
Teixeira And Blachowicz: Achieving Success In The Twilight Of Their Careers
The mutual respect between Teixeira and Blachowicz is no doubt a product of their similar career trajectories, with both experiencing unlikely late resurgences. Blachowicz has won nine of his last ten fights, and last year became the oldest light heavyweight champ in UFC history, doing so at 37-years-old. Prior to his current run of form, the Pole lost four in five—a career low that at the time seemed insurmountable.
Glover Teixeira challenges Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title at UFC 172 in April, 2014. (PHOTO: GETTY)
Glover’s, too, has been a tale of overcoming adversity against all odds. Following his defeat to champion Jon Jones in 2014, the Brazilian lost four of his next five fights, which included a 13-second KO to Anthony Johnson. Many believed Teixeira would never recapture his form of old. But now, Glover’s riding a five-fight win streak, and if successful this weekend, will become the oldest light heavyweight champ in UFC history.
Who do you think will be crowned light heavyweight champ at UFC 267?
We’ve got you covered with our staff picks for UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira! It all goes down in Abu Dhabi tomorrow with UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira, which will NOT be on pay-per-view but rather a special feature presentation streaming on ESPN+. Make sure you are well-rested and ready to bet, watch, scream, and […]
We’ve got you covered with our staff picks for UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira!
It all goes down in Abu Dhabi tomorrow with UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira, which will NOT be on pay-per-view but rather a special feature presentation streaming on ESPN+. Make sure you are well-rested and ready to bet, watch, scream, and shout as this early event kicks off at 10:30 AM ET (prelims), with the main card scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM.
There will be two title fights waiting for you and a stacked fight card from top to bottom, capped off with Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira competing for the light heavyweight championship. In the co-main event, Petr Yan will look to return bantamweight gold to his waist, interim or otherwise, as he goes up against the electric Cory Sandhagen.
Also on tap for tomorrow night is the man often considered to be “The Next Khabib,” Islam Makhachev, who will face Dan Hooker. The Russian invasion will also include appearances from Magomed Ankalaev and Alexander Volkov competing on the main card. And who can forget the highly anticipated return of “Borz,” Khmazat Chimaev, who will look to come back with a smesh when he takes on UFC vet Li Jingliang.
You can check out the full UFC 267 main card below!
UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira Main Card
UFC Light Heavyweight Championship Bout: Jan Blachowicz (c) vs. Glover Teixeira
UFC Interim Bantamweight Championship Bout: Petr Yan vs. Cory Sandhagen
Islam Makhachev vs. Dan Hooker
Alexander Volkov vs. Marcin Tybura
Li Jingliang vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Volkan Oezdemir
UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira Staff Predictions
MMA News is the place to be for all the latest UFC 267 updates. Staff members Andrew Ravens, Doug Murray, and Harvey Leonard have provided predictions for the main card. And based on the consistency of the picks, there seems to be a lot of safe bets to be made according to these three staffers! Check out their picks below!
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Volkan Oezdemir
Magomed Ankalaev, Volkan Oezdemir
Andrew Ravens: Volkan could be in for a rough night at the office when he steps into the Octagon against Ankalaev, who has looked exceptional aside from his promotional debut that he lost. Ankalaev seems to get better and better every outing while Volkvan has flattened at his spot. Ankalaev walks away with the decision win. (Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev)
Doug Murray: Ankalaev can extend his winning streak to seven with a win against Oezdemir. The former title challenger took a devastating loss when he fell at the hands of Ji?í Procházka. Since Oezdemir’s last fight ended by getting finished, his approach will likely be toned down when he meets Ankalaev. With that in mind, Ankalaev’s pressure and high kicks will be difficult for Oezdemir to dodge for 15 minutes. (Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev)
Harvey Leonard: As good as Oezdemir was at the start of his UFC career, he’s certainly not at his best anymore. I think his victory over Aleksandar Raki? has perhaps disguised that slightly. The result was controversial, and it seemed pretty clear he should have lost. With more competent judging, the Swiss contender would be sitting with five losses in his last six. At that point, a reset against lower-ranked opposition (similar to Dan Hooker last month) is needed. Magomed Ankalaev certainly isn’t that. With the Dagestani’s superior accuracy on the feet and Oezdemir’s inferior defense, I see Ankalaev extending his streak to seven. (Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev)
Consensus: 3-0 Ankalaev
Li Jingliang vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Li Jingliang and Khamzat Chimaev
Andrew Ravens: Here’s a chance for Chimaev to get another knockout highlight reel, and I see it happening. Li is a good fighter but does have moments where he simply doesn’t show up as expected. If that happens, then Chimaev is going to get a bonus at his expense. Chimaev stops him in the second round. (Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev)
Doug Murray: Mystery shrouds this welterweight showdown. Since Chimaev was forced to the sidelines after contracting COVID-19, his massive audience awaits his return to Fight Island. With three wins and three finishes in the UFC, Chimaev’s speed and ability to predict opponents as they grapple make his style a nightmare to deal with. While Li is a powerful 170-pound fighter, Chimaev’s speed and takedowns will set the tone for this fight early. (Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev)
Harvey Leonard: Whenever a fighter reveals they didn’t know who their opponent was before a booking, I’m wary to side with them. I can picture the clip of Chimaev at media day being brought up after a defeat. However, I do think the edge lies with “Borz.” He may have been away for over a year, but the quality he trains with at the Allstar gym in Stockholm shouldn’t make that an issue.
Whilst “The Leech” possesses the KO power to finish anyone, his shortcomings on the ground were evident in his loss to Neil Magny. We saw how brutal Chimaev can be when he gets his opponents down, and whilst he hasn’t faced a talent like Jingliang, I’d expect his pressure wrestling to be too much. (Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev)
Consensus: 3-0 Chimaev
Alexander Volkov vs. Marcin Tybura
(via Zuffa LLC)
Andrew Ravens: Volkov is looking to rebound after losing his previous fight against Cyril Gane while Tybura has been on fire as he’s won five straight. I see Volkov being really fired up to get a win here and prove that yes, he can fight with the best of the best. I don’t see Tybura at that level and predict Volkov can back that up with a TKO win. (Prediction: Alexander Volkov)
Doug Murray: A battle of two titans, don’t look now, but Tybura has amassed a five-fight winning streak with the promotion. Tybura is finally synergizing his standup with his strength on the canvas. The heavyweight showed his path to victory in his last fight. With damaging ground and pound, Tybura will need to get “Drago” to the mat to drastically increase his odds for success. Volkov has shown a stellar takedown defense as a former champion in Bellator, and his striking will be overwhelming if the fight makes it to the third round. (Prediction: Alexander Volkov)
Harvey Leonard: Tybura is on a pretty devastating win streak, but he’s not come close to facing an opponent with the skill of Volkov during it. The only times he’s faced heavyweights similar to his level on the feet, he was finished by Derrick Lewis and Augusto Sakai. The Pole’s threat is power, but given that Volkov has only been finished by Lewis in the UFC, I can’t see a scenario where he gets taken out by Tybura.
Volkov’s striking is up there with the best in the division, and through The Russian’s reach and speed advantage, I’d expect “Drago” to put it on full display. I’d fancy a Volkov finish, but if it goes to the scorecards, Tybura will struggle to outpoint him. (Prediction: Alexander Volkov)
Consensus: 3-0 Volkov
Islam Makhachev vs. Dan Hooker
Islam Makhachev, Dan Hooker (Image Credits: Mike Lawrie/Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Andrew Ravens: There are levels to this game, and it looks like Islam is on his way to the top tier. That’s not to say Hooker is not a real challenge as he’s a really good fighter. Islam has been running through people, but Hooker is his first real test, and he’s gonna have to put out his best to get past Hooker. I do think that happens with Islam getting the decision win. (Prediction: Islam Makhachev)
Doug Murray: Burn the boats. Dan Hooker is coming to Fight Island after just competing on Sept. 25, “The Hangman” is becoming somewhat of a hardcore fight fan’s dream. The wrestling skills of Hooker appear to be evolving rapidly, and he showed as much in his fight against Nasrat Haqparast. With a style geared toward volume, Hooker poses some real challenges to Makhachev. The heir to Khabib Nurmagomedov has looked impressive in the cage. And with a short camp for Hooker, Makhachev’s pressure will likely get the best of Hooker. (Prediction: Islam Makhachev)
Harvey Leonard: As much as I’d love for Hooker’s attitude to be rewarded with a victory, it’s hard to bet against the imposing game of Makhachev. Whilst I don’t buy into the idea that it’s as one-sided as the likes of Khabib would like us to believe, I do think “The Hangman” could struggle to implement his game if the Dagestani imposes his own early. Hooker’s route to victory is clearly keeping the fight on the feet. If he can’t, Makhachev could force a submission, but I think a controlling decision is more likely. (Prediction: Islam Makhachev)
Consensus: 3-0 Makhachev
Petr Yan vs. Cory Sandhagen
Cory Sandhagen, Petr Yan (Image Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Andrew Ravens: In my eyes, Yan is still champion and not Aljamain Sterling. We all know why Yan isn’t technically the champion right now and to his credit, instead of waiting for Sterling, he’s trying to stay active. In such a deep division, there are no easy tests and this inserts Sandhagen, who has a real chance to win this fight. I think Yan is the better fighter, but this will be a close, back-and-forth, and fun fight. (Prediction: Petr Yan)
Doug Murray: After going the distance with TJ Dillashaw, Sandhagen’s style is so fan-friendly that it was no surprise he got the call after hearing the champion was injured. I think Sandhagen’s kick-heavy style will be to his detriment against a disciplined boxer like Petr Yan. Yan is able to connect at will when opponents tire and relies heavily on a boxing repertoire that should carry him to the win. (Prediction: Petr Yan)
Harvey Leonard: This is arguably a better fight on paper than the original Yan vs. Sterling rematch. The contrast between the Russian’s tight boxing and forward pressure and Sandhagen’s kickboxing and elusive movement should make for a barnburner. Whilst Sandhagen is always capable of a highlight-reel KO and Yan is always looking for a brutal finish, I expect this one to go the distance.
If “The Sandman” can stay at range and catch Yan when he attempts to move in, perhaps even with a knee as the Russian ducks low with his shots, he is capable of outpointing “No Mercy.” But whilst I expect him to have some success doing so, I believe Yan will have the better of the exchanges, especially in the later rounds. (Prediction: Petr Yan)
Consensus: 3-0 Yan
Jan Blachowicz vs. Glover Teixeira
Jan Blachowicz, Glover Teixeira
Andrew Ravens: Some casuals may overlook Glover in this fight, but the hardcore fans know how dangerous Glover can be. However, I see this to be a one-sided beatdown by Jan. In the current division, I don’t see anyone beating Jan right now, and I add Glover to that list. Glover has a puncher’s chance early and won’t be put away, but I have Jan getting his hand raised after a decision win. (Prediction: Jan Blachowicz)
Doug Murray: The light heavyweight titleholder made his name as a Polish champion in KSW. B?achowicz is well versed in maintaining a fight’s geography. As a powerful counter puncher and reactive wrestler, the 38-year-old has all of the tools to deal with Teixeira. While the Brazilian challenger may have the edge in power on the feet, B?achowicz will be too much for a UFC legend that appears to be slowing despite stringing a massive streak together. (Prediction: Jan Blachowicz)
Harvey Leonard: After the bad blood in last weekend’s main event, it’s a nice change of pace to have two headliners respecting each other. As much of a feel-good story as it would be for Teixeira to become the UFC’s second post-40 champion, I believe he’ll fall short. Of course, he does boast incredible Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, and if the fight does hit the mat, he has what it takes to submit the champion.
However, on the feet, Blachowicz will have a speed and power advantage, which will not only help him control the exchanges and possibly find a finish but will also aid him in resisting Teixeira’s attempts to take him down and keep him there. The 42-year-old can never be counted out, but “and new” would surprise me. (Prediction: Jan Blachowicz)
Consensus: 3-0 Blachowicz
That’ll do it for our unanimous staff picks! What do you think? Are these fights as clear-cut as our three staffers seem to think? Or do you see some upsets brewing? Feel free to drop your own picks in the comments section, and you can check out the UFC 267 undercard below.
UFC 267 Undercard
PRELIMINARY CARD
Amanda Ribas vs. Virna Jandiroba (Women’s Strawweight)
Ricardo Ramos vs. Zubaira Tukhugov (Featherweight)
Albert Duraev vs. Roman Kopylov (Middleweight)
Shamil Gamzatov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (Light Heavyweight)
Makwan Amirkhani vs. Lerone Murphy (Featherweight)
Hu Yaozong vs. Alen Amedovski (Middleweight)
Magomed Mustafaev vs. Damir Ismagulov (Lightweight)
Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Allan Nascimento (Flyweight)
Be sure to keep it right here on MMANews.com tomorrow for all the results, highlights, and updates on UFC 267!
Jan Blachowicz isn’t worried about stopping Glover Teixeira in their fight. UFC 267 is on the horizon and the main event will feature two great light heavyweights. Jan Blachowicz will be defending his title against longtime UFC veteran Glover Teixeira. Teixeira has been riding a wave of wins lately but that isn’t worrisome to Blachowicz. […]
“I believe that my legendary Polish Power will knock him out after one punch,” Blachowicz told MMA Fighting. “But if not, I will try to fight against him like Gustafsson fight. He wait to finish [Teixeira] till the 4th round. He (didn’t) go too fast. I think that Thiago (did) this mistake. He want to finish the fight too early. And Glover had a lot of experience, and he used it. He (knows) how to survive, catch Thiago, submit him, and that’s it. So I will not do this mistake.
Image Credit: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
“And also, I think my jiu-jitsu, I think we are on the same level. We will see in the fight, but if fight (goes) to the ground, I’m gonna be ready for his jiu-jitsu. So it’s not gonna be easy to submit me, I promise to you and to him.”
Blachowicz won the title when he defeated Dominick Reyes at UFC 253. His first defense was against the middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. This bout against Teixeira, who is a true 205 pounder, could be the turning point in Blachowicz’s title run. He has a chance to prove he is the rightful king at light heavyweight and he plans to do it with style.
Teixeira turned 42 today, 48 hours before he steps into the Octagon across from Blachowicz. Despite his age, Teixiera has never looked better. He is on a five-fight winning streak with four finishes. If he can survive the “Polish Power,” it will make Teixeira the second oldest fighter to ever win a title (Randy Couture was 43).
Do you think that Jan Blachowicz can get the job done and finish Glover Teixeira at UFC 267?
Jan Blachowicz is excited about the prospect of facing one of the hottest contenders in the sport, Jiri Prochazka. The UFC Light Heavyweight champion wants the fight to be a headliner in Europe and expects that it can be done. Blachowicz had nothing but praise for the former Rizin Light Heavyweight champion, citing his unique […]
