Glover Teixeira Doesn’t Plan On Waiting Around For Title Shot
Glover Teixeira was awarded a shot at the winner of Jones vs. Gustafsson following his TKO win over Ryan Bader, the fight continued GT’s eight year win streak and he was elated in victory.
Teixeira has won five straight in the UFC and has long been called a legitimate contender in the MMA world. Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson’s war at UFC 165 was probably the worst thing that could have happened, as far as GT’s title aspirations.
Had Jones or Gus won convincingly, Teixeira would be getting booked in for his big date. As it happened, the fight was close enough to warrant an immediate rematch and Teixeira is likely to receive a tune up fight. Check out what the Brazilian slugger had to say via MMAJunkie.com:
“Even I want to watch that fight again but it’s hard to say I’m OK with it, because I worked so hard to get this opportunity. I felt like I had my hands right there on the chance, and now they’re going to take it away from me, and who knows for how long? It could be a year from now. It’s really upsetting to me.”
Teixeira certainly worked very hard to get in to the UFC, and then to gain recognition ini the promotion’s marquee division. His emotions are understandable, but it may not all be doom and gloom.
“There’s no way I’m just going to sit around,” Teixeira said. “I’m healthy. I’m good. I had a few minor injuries before the fight with Bader, but nothing major, and we’re getting it taken care of. I could be ready to fight in three or four months, and I don’t want to wait. If they’re going to do this rematch, then I want to get in there and fight someone else.”
Teixeira is displaying a great attitude considering the news regarding a rematch, the worst thing he could do now is start bitching. He needs to stay focused and be confident in his abilities to win one more fight before facing the champion.
GT also had his bit to say on the spectacular bout between Jones and Gus:
“It was a very close fight, but I scored the first round for Gustafsson and all the other rounds to Jones even though it was close — very close,” Teixeira said. “Jones was getting hit a lot, but also he was pushing forward and trying to get takedowns, as well as catching Gustafsson with kicks and elbows.”
After finally having someone display the ability to challenge Jones, I don’t really know that GT is the man to beat him. Gus showed excellent footwork, leg kicks and slick boxing. The Mauler was light on his feet and used good lateral movement; something which I’m unsure GT possesses.
Teixeira has a very plodding style, but could use what Gustafsson exposed as a tool for his own arsenal.
