Glover massacres Anthony Smith and reaches the UFC light heavyweight elite

Glover defeated Anthony by knockout in UFC Smith x Teixeira. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufcrussian

The Brazilian Glover Teixeira put on a real showUFC Smith x Teixeira', which took place this Wednesday (13), in Jacksonville (USA). After starting at a disadvantage against Anthony Smith, the Minas Gerais native managed to recover and carried out a true massacre from the third round onwards. After five rounds of punishment, Glover was declared the winner by knockout.

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Considered an underdog for the confrontation, Glover managed to prove that, despite being 40 years old, he can still fight on equal terms against the best names in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg.). Coming from three consecutive victories, Teixeira then proved that he is ready for a future title fight by beating number three in the ranking of the group led by Jon Jones.

Like the Brazilian, Anthony was also coming off a victory within the organization. The North American had hit Alexander Gustafson in his last commitment and was looking to score another triumph to regain his status as a challenger for the belt.

With the positive result, Teixeira, who occupied eighth place in the category's ranking, should now return to the top 5 and return to the Ultimate board's radar for the title.

The fight

The confrontation began with Smith connecting with a good right to the face of Glover, who tried to respond with a cross, but the blow went empty. The Brazilian tried to find the distance and continued walking towards his opponent. More confident in the fight, Anthony attacked more efficiently and, early on, opened a wound on the miner's face. After two minutes, realizing the disadvantage in the stand-up fight, Teixeira tried to look for his opponent's legs, but Smith was attentive and prevented the action. The fight was interrupted halfway through the round due to a low blow delivered by the Brazilian. When the fight returned, Anthony remained more dangerous with a good sequence of jabs that touched Glover's face. The Minas Gerais native continued to have difficulty finding the distance and continued to be hit with punches and kicks from the North American. In the final seconds, Teixeira managed to land two good crosses on Smith's face, but there was no more time.

In the second round, the fighters decided to exchange blows in the center of the octagon. Glover remained at a disadvantage, while Anthony easily entered the Brazilian's range of action. After two minutes, Teixeira attacked his opponent and connected with two good straight shots, but Smith didn't land the blow. The North American then pressed the miner against the bars and managed to return the attacks. After three minutes, Glover managed a great sequence of blows that intimidated the American. Anthony started walking backwards while the miner tried to take advantage of the good moment. The fighters started to exchange franks and the fight remained tense in the final seconds.

The fourth round began with Smith taking the initiative with a jab, which was responded to by the Brazilian with a low kick. After the action, the miner ended up losing his balance and falling to the ground, but quickly got up. Teixeira hit Smith with a straight shot to the face, which shook his rival and made him walk backwards. Realizing the good moment, the miner went up and continued attacking. Smith fell and the Brazilian continued to strike. The Brazilian continued to have an advantage in the fight, but the North American showed a lot of resistance. On the ground, Teixeira continued to strike while Smith protected himself as best he could. After a great punishment, the timer reached zero.

After the good moment, Teixeira returned for the fourth round, connecting with an uppercut in the opening seconds. Smith felt it again and walked back. The American, however, showed a lot of heart and attempted a takedown of the Brazilian. Glover fell on top and continued striking his opponent. After almost two minutes, the miner started trying for a rear naked choke, but Anthony continued to defend himself and show a lot of heart. After failing to secure the submission, the Brazilian allowed the North American to get up and the fight was once again fought standing up. After hitting Smith hard, Teixeira took the fight to the ground again. The Brazilian once again punished his opponent with elbows to the face and tried to end the confrontation. Anthony ended up saved by the bell.

In the last round, the Brazilian returned to try to settle the bill. Realizing the disadvantage, Smith tried to take the miner to the ground, but ended up falling underneath. Glover got the mount and continued hitting his rival until the referee decided to end the confrontation and declare Teixeira the victory.

UFC Smith vs Teixeira results

MAIN CARD

Light Heavyweight: Glover Teixeira derrotou Anthony Smith by knockout at 1m04s of R5

Heavyweight: Ben Rothwell defeated Ovince St-Preux via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Lightweight: Drew dober derrotou Alexander Hernandez by knockout at 4:25 of R2

Bantamweight: Ricky simon defeated Ray Borg via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Heavyweight: Andrei Arlovski derrotou Philip Lins in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Lightweight: Thiago Moses finished Michael Johnson with a heel hook 25s from R2

PRELIMINARY CARD

Bantamweight: sijara eubanks defeated Sarah Moras via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Lightweight: Omar Morales derrotou Gabriel benitez in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Feather weight: brian kelleher defeated Hunter Azure by knockout at 3:40 of R2

Heavyweight: Chase sherman defeated Ike Villanueva by knockout 49 seconds into R2