Glover Teixeira won a UFC lightweight title shot seven years back and lost to Jon Jones, as most people do. Teixeira was 34 years old at that time and many thought he was dead. Many thought that he would have his UFC run and that was it.
Teixeira, however, returned to work and managed to make it all the way back. He did what many thought was impossible on Saturday. Jan Blachowicz was defeated by Teixeira via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:02 in the second round. This victory gave Teixeira the UFC light-heavyweight title. Caesars Sportsbook ranked Teixeira as a +210 underdog.
Teixeira, 42, is the oldest UFC champion and second-oldest UFC fighter to win a title. He trails only Randy Couture. Teixeira joins Couture, Daniel Cormier and others as the only third UFC fighter who has won a title at 40 years old or older. The 14 UFC fights that Teixeira lost to Jon Jones at UFC172 on April 26th 2014 and Saturday were the longest between titles in UFC history.
In his postfight interview, Teixeira stated that "Never lose sight of your dreams." Do not listen to anyone. They will make you feel bad. Listen to them. Believe in yourself.
Blachowicz was defeated by Teixeira in the first round. He was basically held there the entire time. Blachowicz was successful with his boxing in the second round. Teixeira threw Blachowicz with a left hook, and then he was taken down again. Teixeira managed to mount Blachowicz, take his back, and lock in the choke. Teixeira stated, "I'm violating the rules -- 42 year old." "I'm going to keep breaking those rules."
ESPN has Blachowicz ranked No. 5. on the world's pound-for-pound MMA ranking. ESPN ranks Blachowicz No. 1 at light heavyweight. 1, and Teixeira at No. 2.
Teixeira (36-37) has won six consecutive and seven of his eight past wins, most recently a third-round submission victory over Thiago Santos (November 2020). Brazil's native Teixeira has finished 28 times in his 33 career victories. Connecticut native Teixeira has been regarded as one of the best light heavyweights around the world for over a decade. This is a remarkable stretch of consistency, quality, and longevity. He holds the record for most UFC light heavyweight wins (13 finishes) and submission victories (7). Jones (20 is second with 16 wins in UFC light heavyweight).
UFC president Dana White stated that "Glover Teixeira has been and will continue to be one of the most difficult guys in the division. This was his dream for years to win this title shot." "He finally got it and did it tonight."
Blachowicz (29) was just coming off his first defense of the title, an unanimous decision victory over Israel Adesanya (UFC 259 on March 6). The Polish native won the title that Jones had vacated at UFC 253 on September 2020. He defeated Dominick Reyes in the second round. Blachowicz (38) had won five consecutive fights and nine of his 10 previous fights. Blachowicz is a former KSW lightweight heavyweight champion.
Blachowicz stated, "I believe I left legendary Polish power in the room."
Since 2002, Teixeira has been a professional MMA fighter. Teixeira was just a few steps away from receiving a UFC call in 2008. He had to leave the United States to return to Brazil, as he was not allowed to live in the United States. Teixeira couldn't return to the U.S. in his prime years of athletic performance because of visa issues. Although he was already considered to be one of the top 205-pound fighters, he was not able to prove it.
Teixeira announced that he will be returning to Sobralia in Minas Gerais with his UFC gold. Teixeira stated, "I told you guys that I was coming home with my belt." "And I am. "The promise has been fulfilled."
White stated, "This guy never gave in," He won the title despite all the difficulties he has faced throughout his career. It's quite a cool story. It couldn't have happened to a more perfect guy.
