G. Teixeira in action for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ufcbrasil
The highest ranked Brazilian in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg.), Glover Teixeira is close to another UFC commitment. Next Wednesday (13), the miner will exchange forces against Anthony Smith and understands that a victory puts him back on the radar for a future title fight. The athlete, however, prefers to speak cautiously about a new opportunity to compete for the category title. In conversation with journalist Laerte Viana, exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS, the combatant commented on the matter.
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“Having a chance at a belt again is a dream. The only thing that's missing for me in the UFC and the event is winning this belt, but at the same time, I take it fight by fight. I don't put too much pressure on it, no. That’s why I’ve been performing well in my last few fights,” said Glover.
Although their next challenge will be against a rival who currently occupies a prominent position (3rd) in the group led by Jon Jones, the Brazilian understands that, even in the case of a positive result against Smith, his name may not be the organization's favorite for an immediate fight against the champion.
“I don't see: 'If I win this fight, I'll get the belt.' If I win this fight, I don't think I'll fight for the belt. I think I'll have to win a couple of fights while still at the top to fight for the belt. I can't talk like that. I have a really tough guy in front of me, and I have to go through Anthony Smith, stay on top again. It’s fight by fight”, said the miner.
For the next fight, which will take place in the city of Jacksonville (USA), Glover, like all UFC athletes who agreed to perform during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, had to make adaptations to his training. The action, adopted as a preventive measure, reduces the number of teammates and considerably changes the preparation process that fighters are accustomed to. Teixeira spoke about the subject and admitted a factor that could favor him given the scenario.
“We are keeping this closed circle of four people, at most. It's not something I'm used to, but I'm feeling really good. The good thing about all this is the fighting experience I already have. I think if it was a guy (who was) at the beginning of his career, with few fights, he would sometimes have difficulty, mentally, thinking that this would be good”, said Glover.
Next Wednesday, the 40-year-old from Minas Gerais will complete his 38th career since debuting as a professional in MMA. The Brazilian today has 30 victories and seven setbacks in the sport. Coming from three positive results in a row, the fighter currently occupies eighth place in the division ranking.
Smith will return to the octagon to confirm the milestone of 48 fights in mixed martial arts. The North American has 33 triumphs and 14 setbacks.
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