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UBERLANDIA, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 07: UFC heavyweight Glover Teixeira interacts with fans during a Q&A session before the UFC Fight Night weigh-in at Sabiazinho Gymnasium on November 7, 2014 in Uberlandia, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
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UBERLANDIA, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 07: UFC heavyweight Glover Teixeira interacts with fans during a Q&A session before the UFC Fight Night weigh-in at Sabiazinho Gymnasium on November 7, 2014 in Uberlandia, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Glover Teixeira has been a part of the light heavyweight division since 2012. In his time with the organization, he has fought the best at 205-pounds and has also challenged for the title against Jon Jones. At 41, the Brazilian fighter does not have much time left in the sport.
The light heavyweight division in the UFC now has a champion that is not Daniel Cormier or Jon Jones. Jan Blachowicz has ushered in a new era. Teixeira now has a splendid opportunity to fight for the title for a second time with a win over Santos.
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Glover Teixeira gives his thoughts on Israel Adesanya moving up in weight
It was recently announced that ‘Izzy would be moving up to take on Jan Blachowicz. In a recent interview, Glover was asked for his thoughts on how Adesanya would fare at 205 pounds.
Teixeira replied, “He’s good and would get to the top, for sure. He’s good as hell, good athlete, good fighter, super intelligent, and for sure would get to the top, but the weight (difference), everything counts. I know that because I train with heavyweights, and it’s hard. The fatigue, the pressure is different.”
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ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 13: Israel Adesanya reacts after defeating Kelvin Gastelum by unanimous decision in their interim middleweight championship bout during the UFC 236 event at State Farm Arena on April 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Glover has been on a tear recently with four wins on the trot; three of those four wins have come via stoppage. Roberson, Cutelaba, Smith, and Krylov have all fallen victim to an invigorated Teixeira.
The Brazilian fighter has made a name for himself as a heavy hitter. He has won an impressive 58% of his wins via T/KO. In Santos, he faces another extremely hard-hitting Brazilian.
‘Marreta’ has secured 71% of his wins via T/KO. His last fight in the Octagon was a split decision loss to Jon Jones last July.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: Glover Teixeira of Brazil reacts after defeating Karl Roberson of the United States during their light heavyweight fight at UFC Fight Night at Barclays Center on January 19, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
A win against Santos would most certainly give Glover the opportunity to fight for the title once again. On the other hand, a win against Glover would be an impressive return for ‘Marreta’, who will have title aspirations of his own.
Do you agree with Glover Teixeira’s assessment of Israel Adesanya’s move to light heavyweight? Let us know in the comments below.
