At 43 years old, Glover Teixeira is continuing to prove his worth at the top of the UFC Light Heavyweight Division. Despite many UFC veterans hanging up their gloves in recent times – such as Jose Aldo & Luke Rockhold, Glover is still thriving under the prospect of capturing UFC gold once again – and he has revealed the secret to what’s keeping him at the top.
The Brazilian native faced up to a fresh title challenge in Jiří Procházka in June 2022. A gruelling fight in which many campaigned for Fight of the Year. Sadly, it ended in heartbreak for Glover. Jiří finished the fight in the fifth with a Rear Naked Choke, snatching the title from the 43-year-old.
Both fighters were keen to run it back. So a rematch was booked for the last PPV of 2022. Unfortunately, a serious shoulder injury would rule Jiří Procházka out of the title bout. This resulted in Glover being pulled from the card. the Light Heavyweight Title was soon after vacated.
The UFC then matched up Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz to fight for the vacated title. The highly anticipated bout ended in a draw. This result allowed for the opportunity of another matchup for the title. With Glover Teixeira now taking on Jamahal Hill at UFC 283 this coming Saturday.
No Glover Teixeira, No Party?
For the first time since 2020, The UFC will be returning to Teixeira’s native Brazil, with the man himself headlining the card. Speaking at the UFC 283 media day, Glover was asked if anything felt different compared to the previous outings he had in his home nation. He answered;
“Just to be over here headlining, you know?” – “Being the main card, main fight. For the title, in front of this crowd. I’m a different fighter now, you know the discipline is 100% man. I remember when I fought Phil Davis the way my life was, and I was like – I don’t know, I wouldn’t say, ‘Take this serious’ because I always take the fight seriously, but just like in that mode like training hard, fight hard, party hard. And now I take the party out of the way, and that’s why I’m here at 43 fighting the top level.”
[Quotes From MMANews.com]
Glover Teixeira is one of the oldest active fighters on the UFC roster. Will this be his last chance at claiming gold? or does he still have a good few years in the tank? Only time will tell.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
