'No options' at light heavyweight, Anthony Smith calls for fight against Glover Teixeira

A. Smith (photo) asks for a fight against G. Teixeira. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @lionheartasmith

the american Anthony Smith is willing to regain his status as a challenger in the light heavyweight category (up to 93kg.). With no opponents available among the top five in the category, the athlete found in a Brazilian idol the chance to return to the division's spotlight. With this in mind, the fighter decided to challenge Glover Teixeira for a fight in 2020. Showing respect for the Minas Gerais native, Smith believes that Glover's recent positive record could promote a great fight for the fans next year. The information was released by 'MMA Junkie'.

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“I'm keeping an eye on the top five, but I think outside the top five it's a bit mixed. Everything is changing a lot, but I think Glover is available. So he’s someone I would love to face just because of who he is and what he’s done in this sport,” Anthony said.

The request for Glover, in addition to being a former title challenger, is due to the Brazilian's latest performances with the UFC. The Minas Gerais native comes from three consecutive victories within the company and, at 40 years old, is resuming a prominent place within the division dominated by Jon Jones.

Teixeira's good form guaranteed the athlete ninth place in the category and a clash against Smith could be the perfect opportunity for the Brazilian to regain his place among the top five in the division. Glover has already admitted that he does not intend to retire anytime soon. The athlete has even shown himself to be efficient against younger opponents and ensures that he is still capable of performing at a high level.

Anthony, however, stated that the challenge to the Brazilian is not a personal issue. With the division in great movement and athletes emerging as possible challengers, Smith stated that Teixeira ended up being the best name available at the moment.

“I’m not attacking anyone. I'm not teasing. He's just the next guy that might be available, and that's who I am. I’m not going to wait for anyone”, concluded the fighter.

Both Anthony and Glover have fights for the division's belt on their record. Smith is coming off a recent loss to Jones, in a fight that took place in March. Teixeira, in turn, challenged for the title against 'Bones' in 2014 and was also unsuccessful.