Glover Teixeira

What happened to Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267?

by
Corey Anderson

It’s been a few days since we saw UFC 267 where Jan Blachowicz (28-9) lost his light heavyweight title to Glover Teixeira (33-7). Of course, the day of the event and the follow up days have all been focused on the 42 year old Teixeira who captured UFC gold after all of these years.

The story is too good to ignore and Teixeira deserved all the shine that he got. However, I started thinking about the former champion. Thinking about the incredible run that he went on over the past few years that saw him capture UFC gold.

Jan Blachowicz was at one point 2-4 in six fights. He truly looked like a fighter who was about to be cut by the UFC. However, things started to change and the Polish Power presented itself. Blachowicz’s would go on a stretch where he was 9-1.

In those wins he had wins over Israel Adesanya, Dominick Reyes, Corey Anderson, Luke Rockhold, and others. He truly looked like the best light heavyweight in the world not just in the UFC. However, Saturday night, he didn’t look close to being the best in the world.

What happened at UFC 267 and what’s next?

The performance was not good from Blachowicz on Saturday. He was beaten to the punch on the feet by Teixeira and he had no answer for Glover’s takedowns. Anyone who is anyone knew that the only way Teixeira would win is by getting takedowns.

He was able to get them easily at UFC 267. Blachowicz never landed anything of significance that backed off Teixeira. In the second round, Teixeira actually rocked Blachowicz on the feet before a takedown led to a choke and the finish.

I was stunned by the result and honestly thought Blachowicz would knock him out. After beating the guys he did, I didn’t think Blachowicz could lose to Glover at UFC 267. Maybe the Polish Power thought the same thing.

Whether you want to say it was just a bad night or whether you want to say he overlooked Teixeira, no matter what, something went wrong at UFC 267. So, what does Jan Blachowicz do now that he’s lost in the fashion that he did.

Well, he’s going to need a big win to show he’s still at the top of the division. Guys like Aleksandar Rakic or Anthony Smith could be on deck for Blachowicz. Either way, Blachowicz should be put right back in there with a top contender so he can prove to the UFC, he’s still the same guy with the legendary Polish Power.

Jiri Prochazka awaits Glover Teixeira after UFC 267

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This past Saturday in the main event of UFC 267, the light heavyweight title was on the line. Poland’s Jan Blachowicz (28-9) was defending his title against 42 year old Glover Teixeira (32-8) who was getting his second chance at UFC gold.

The fight started perfectly for the challenger on Saturday when Teixeira was able to land a takedown. Takedowns were going to be key if he was going to stop the legendary Polish Power and immediately, Teixeira was able to get the takedown.

In the second round, Teixeira was actually able to wobble the champion on the feet before getting him back to the ground. Once on the ground, Teixeira went right through the champion and submitted him to become UFC light heavyweight champion.

Tears were flowing all around as one of the good guys of the sport pulled off this miraculous run to become light heavyweight champion at this stage of his career. The victory at UFC 267 gave Teixeira his light heavyweight title, but it also earned him a date with perhaps the best light heavyweight on the planet.

Prochazka’s UFC Title Shot

While Dana White didn’t confirm after UFC 267, it’s clear that the next title shot belongs to Jiri Prochazka (28-3-1). Prochazka hasn’t lost a fight since 2015 and he’s started out perfect in the UFC since joining the promotion last year.

In his first two fights, he’s taken on former title challengers Dominick Reyes and Volkan Oezdemir. Neither one of those guys made it past the second round. Earlier this year, Prochazka had his first taste of a main event opposite Dominick Reyes.

Prochazka put on a clinic and knocked Reyes out with a spinning back elbow in the second round. In my opinion, Prochazka is the best light heavyweight in the UFC and in the world. However, Glover Teixeira has proved me wrong over and over again.

The champion said after UFC 267 that he’d like to take a couple of months off before the Prochazka fight. My guess is we will see this fight in the spring. Despite Glover’s current run, expect Prochazka to be a sizeable betting favorite when these two finally meet.

Glover Teixeira becomes light heavyweight champion at UFC 267

by
Anthony Smith, UFC

In the main event of UFC 267, the light heavyweight title was on the line. The Polish Power and defending champion Jan Blachowicz (28-8) was defending his title against the veteran Glover Teixeira (32-7).

Back in 2018, Glover Teixeira lost a decision to Corey Anderson. With the loss, he was just 2-3 in five fights and he was getting older. However, Glover wasn’t prepared to hang things up and he’s rattled off five consecutives wins to earn himself another shot at UFC gold.

Back in 2017 at UFC 210, Jan Blachowicz lost a fight to Patrick Cummins. That fight dropped him to 2-4 in six UFC fights. However, things all started to change when he took his career more serious.

The Polish Power went on a streak that saw him go 9-1 leading up to tomorrow night. The top two highlights were winning the UFC title against Dominick Reyes then defending against the previously unbeaten middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.

UFC 267 Recap

Round 1

The UFC 267 main event kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Big low kick lands for Blachowicz and he lands a nice jab behind it. Another good jab for Blachowicz which forces a shot from Glover. Teixeira is able to get the takedown and settles in Blachowicz’s guard.

A couple of soft shots from the top land for Teixeira. Blachowicz is doing a good job of just controlling the posture of Teixeira who continues to look for short elbows from the top. Not a ton of action here happening at the halfway point in the first round.

Nice short elbow lands for the challenger. Another good elbow lands for Teixeira who is just grinding on the champion here in the opening frame. Blachowicz has held Glover in guard throughout this first round but has done nothing to try and get back to his feet.

Another good elbow from the challenger who is completely controlling this opening round against Jan Blachowicz. Big shots from the top from Teixeira. The opening round comes to a close and a dominant opening frame from the challenger at UFC 267.

Round 2

Entering the second round at UFC 267 and Blachowicz needs to find a way to keep the fight standing. Blachowicz plots forward and opens with a jab. Another big jab from Blachowicz and Teixeira tries to close the distance.

The challenger eats a combination and immediately tries for a takedown. However, Blachowicz defends and shakes him off. Teixeira tries to push forward looking for another takedown attempt.

Blachowicz landing well in the second round and is doing a good job of defending takedowns here in the second. Huge shot lands for Teixeira and Blachowicz looks hurt. However, the champion blasts back with a big shot and Teixeira shoots for another takedown.

This time, the challenger gets it and immediately gets to the mount. Blachowicz gives up his back and Teixeira locks in the rear naked choke and Blachowicz taps immediately. Unbelievable story!

Glover Teixeira def. Jan Blachowicz by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 2

UFC 267 Preview: Jan Blachowicz – Glover Teixeira

by
Corey Anderson

Tomorrow night in the main event of UFC 267, the light heavyweight title is on the line. The Polish Power and defending champion Jan Blachowicz (28-8) will defend his title against the veteran Glover Teixeira (32-7).

Both of these men have similar stories that have led them to UFC 267. Just a few years ago, people would have likely laughed at you if you told them that these two would be headlining a UFC card for the light heavyweight title, but here we are.

Back in 2018, Glover Teixeira lost a decision to Corey Anderson. With the loss, he was just 2-3 in five fights and he was getting older. However, Glover wasn’t prepared to hang things up and he’s rattled off five consecutives wins to earn himself another shot at UFC gold.

Back in 2017 at UFC 210, Jan Blachowicz lost a fight to Patrick Cummins. That fight dropped him to 2-4 in six UFC fights. However, things all started to change when he took his career more serious.

The Polish Power went on a streak that saw him go 9-1 leading up to tomorrow night. The top two highlights were winning the UFC title against Dominick Reyes then defending against the previously unbeaten middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.

UFC 267 Prediction

I will be the first person to say that I’ve doubted Glover Teixeira virtually this entire winning streak. He’s proved me wrong every single time that I doubted him. Will UFC 267 go that route as well or will the magic finally run out for Glover.

The first two rounds are going to be incredibly dangerous for Teixeira. Blachowicz has ungodly power and we’ve seen Glover get hurt several times by other opponents. If the champion lands clean, he can easily put the lights out.

Glover Teixeira needs to close the distance quickly and try to tire the champion out tomorrow. If he can do that, he might be able to land some takedowns after the halfway point of the fight. If he gets a tired Blachowicz down, he can submit him in the later rounds.

However, I don’t think the UFC 267 main event is going to get there. I think that the champion is going to find a home for that famous Polish Power in the first round and the title will return to Poland tomorrow.

Prediction: Jan Blachowicz by KO – Round 1

UFC heads back to Fight Island with Jan Blachowicz – Glover Teixeira (Report)

by
Corey Anderson

Over the weekend we learned that there has been a change of plans regarding the UFC‘s upcoming light heavyweight title bout. The champion Jan Blachowicz (28-8) was set to defend his title against Glover Teixeira (32-7) in September.

That bout was supposed to take place at UFC 266 on September 25th. However, that is no longer the case. Instead, we’ve learned that the fight is being pushed back a month and the promotion is returning to Fight Island.

AG.Fight was the first to report that Blachowicz -Teixeira was being moved. The light heavyweight title fight will now headline UFC 267 on Fight Island which is tentatively scheduled to take place on October 30th.

This is actually the second time that this light heavyweight title fight has been pushed back. Originally, it was scheduled for early September before being pushed back to the end of the month. Hopefully, there’s no additional movement with the UFC title fight.

Dana White has been saying that the UFC would be returning to Fight Island at some point. After having three stretches there over a six month period, the UFC hasn’t returned since January, but the plan is for there to be multiple events on Fight Island.

UFC Returns to Fight Island

The UFC’s Fight Island PPV is getting a helluva main event with this matchup between Blachowicz and Teixeira. This fight is all about two guys who have completely turned their careers around over the past few years.

Back at UFC 210, Jan Blachowicz lost to Patrick Cummins. That loss dropped Blachowicz to 2-4 in the UFC and he was on the verge of getting cut. However, since that loss, The Polish Power has gone 9-1 on his way to capturing the UFC light heavyweight title.

Glover Teixeira has seen a very similar turnaround. Back in 2012 when Teixeira made his UFC debut, he hadn’t lost in seven years. He started his career out with the promotion by winning five straight earning him a shot against Jon Jones.

He came up short in his bid to become champion. After that loss, Teixeira went on a stretch where he was just above 500 at 5-4. Getting up there in age and becoming a 500 fighter didn’t spell well for Glover’s UFC title aspirations.

However, after his loss to Corey Anderson, Teixeira has won five consecutive fights to earn himself a title shot. His title shot will come two days after his 42 birthday and if he’s able to win at UFC 267, it will be quite the story.

BREAKING: UFC books title fight between Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira

by
Corey Anderson

The UFC has finalized the next title fight in the light heavyweight division. Dana White told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that the promotion has booked the title fight between the champion Jan Blachowicz (28-8) and top contender Glover Teixeira (32-7).

The matchup will take place at UFC 266 on September 4th. At this time, it’s not known where UFC 266 will take place. Glover Teixeira is finally getting his second crack at the light heavyweight championship.

Teixeira’s first shot was back in 2014 when he took on Jon Jones. Jones was able to win that fight by decision and it’s been a long road for Teixeira to get back to a title shot.

Back in 2018, many were wondering what the UFC future was for Teixeira. Teixeira had gone 2-3 in five fights and he was getting ready to turn 40 years old. However, that’s when Teixeira completely turned his career around.

Starting in January of 2019, Teixeira has gone 5-0 inside the octagon. His last two wins were stoppage wins over former title challengers Thiago Santos and Anthony Smith. Teixeira has seen an incredible resurgence and now he gets his title shot at UFC 266.

Second UFC title defense for the Polish Power

Someone who can completely relate to Teixeira’s resurgence is the UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz. At UFC 210, Blachowicz lost to Patrick Cummins and he was just 1-4 in five fights.

The promotion came close to cutting him, but decided to keep the Polish Power around. After that loss to Cummins, Blachowicz has gone 9-1 inside the octagon including winning five fights in a row.

Blachowicz’s comeback culminated at UFC 253 when he defeated Dominick Reyes to become the light heavyweight champion. Following that win, the promotion booked him against one of the biggest stars in the sport, Israel Adesanya.

Adesanya fought Blachowicz at UFC 259 seeking to become a two-division champion. However, Blachowicz proved to be too much and successfully defended his title. Now, Blachowicz will be seeking a second straight defense of his light heavyweight crown.

After successful title defense at UFC 259, what’s next for Jan Blachowicz?

by
Corey Anderson

This past Saturday at UFC 259, light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz (28-8), welcomed Israel Adesanya (20-1) to light heavyweight. Adesanya was looking to become a two-division champion on Saturday night.

While Blachowicz was the defending champion, the majority of the attention was falling on Adesanya. Stylebender is on his way to being the biggest star in the sport and he was trying to accomplish something that only four others have done in the UFC.

Blachowicz had just become the light heavyweight champion back in September. Despite being the defending champion, most were counting Blachowicz out on Saturday night. Blachowicz is known for his famous Polish Power, but there was a lot to be concerned about going into UFC 259.

For one, Adesanya is arguably the best pure striker in the promotion. Adesanya was also supposed to have a massive speed advantage so one would think if the fight was standing, Blachowicz’s only chance was to land a big knockout shot.

However, the knockout shot never came on Saturday night. Instead, Blachowicz actually got the better of the striking for two of the first three rounds. He then transitioned to his grappling to secure the fourth and the fifth. In the end, it was a clear decision win for Blachowicz at UFC 259.

What’s next after UFC 259?

With the win on Saturday night, Blachowicz showed the world that his title run was no fluke. He fought arguably the biggest star in the sport and he beat him at his own game which is distance striking.

After the fight was over, Blachowicz said that he wanted to take a little time off before his next UFC title defense. That said, the next fight for him is already lined up. The number one contender in the division is Glover Teixeira (32-7).

What a turnaround Glover Teixeira has experienced inside the octagon. Back in 2018, Glover lost a decision to Corey Anderson. He was 2-3 in his previous five fights and he was getting ready to turn 40. However, that’s when he turned things around.

Glover Teixeira has now won five consecutive fights and finished four of them. Three of those wins came against top ten contenders at 205. In a way, Blachowicz and Teixeira have had very similar stretches.

Both men looked like their UFC careers were going to be over just a few years ago. Blachowicz was 2-4 and Teixeira was struggling. However, both men drastically turned things around. One is now the champion and the other is the number one contender. These two should clash in the late summer this year.

State of the UFC’s light heavyweight division entering 2021

by
Corey Anderson

Last night, we got big announcement for the light heavyweight division. At UFC 259, Jan Blachowicz (27-8) will be defending his light heavyweight crown against the middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya (20-0).

It’s a massive fight with huge implications for the UFC‘s light heavyweight division. 2020 has been a very fascinating year at 205 pounds. When the year started, Jon Jones (26-1, 1 NC) was getting ready to defend his title against Dominick Reyes (12-2).

The fight took place at UFC 247. Reyes pushed Jones to the absolute limit and many believed that he won that fight. However, all three judges awarded Jones the decision and Jones walked away with his title.

Shortly after that, Jan Blachowicz knocked out Corey Anderson who was looked at as the next top contender. Jones was in attendance and the two men did a little talking through the cage. It appeared that would be the next title fight.

However, Jones decided to vacate his UFC light heavyweight title to pursue the heavyweight title. When Jones vacated, the promotion booked Blachowicz against Dominick Reyes for the vacant title at UFC 253.

Dominick Reyes was an uncrowned champion in the eyes of many in the MMA community after his fight with Jones. However, his uncrowned reign didn’t last long because Blachowicz knocked him out in the second round to capture the light heavyweight title.

UFC’s light heavyweight division in 2021

As mentioned, we already have the first title fight booked for UFC 259. Now, depending on who wins that fight, there are different fights that could be booked. If Blachowicz retains his title, Glover Teixeira (32-7) will be next.

The 41 year old Teixeira is riding a five-fight winning streak. He had an incredible 2020 where he finished former title challengers Anthony Smith (34-16) and Thiago Santos (21-8). However, he’s being passed over for Adesanya at this time.

The UFC has said that he’s the next contender, but the promotion is always about booking the biggest fights. While it’s not fair to Teixeira, his fight against Blachowicz is no where near as big as Adesanya moving up.

If Adesanya wins at UFC 259, I don’t see Teixeira getting the next shot. The reason is that I think the UFC will do everything they can to book the fight between Adesanya and Jon Jones should Adesanya capture the light heavyweight title.

Jones is intent on becoming heavyweight champion over the summer. Imagine a fall blockbuster that pairs the two-division champion, Adesanya, against the new heavyweight champion, Jon Jones.

That is the current status at the very top of the division. The contender I have my eyes on as we enter 2021 is Jiri Prochazka (27-3-1). Prochazka hasn’t lost in five years and he made his debut with the promotion at UFC 251.

He’s a very entertaining fighter and he put Volkan Oezdemir to sleep when they fought. He fights Dominick Reyes in February in a pivotal matchup for the division. 2021 is going to be interesting year for the light heavyweights.

I honestly don’t know what path the division is going to go down. The paths are vastly different depending on who wins at UFC 259 between Blachowicz and Adesanya.

The UFC’s Light Heavyweight Dilemma

by
Corey Anderson

The UFC has a very complicated situation that is developing in their light heavyweight division. It all started back in the summer when Jon Jones announced that he would be vacating the light heavyweight championship following his incredible run.

Jones said he wanted to focus on capturing the UFC‘s heavyweight title. Following Jones’ departure, the UFC announced that Jan Blachowicz and Dominick Reyes would fight for the vacant light heavyweight championship.

Blachowicz went on to knock out Reyes to capture the title back at UFC 253. A fight was setup to take place before this matchup between Glover Teixeira and Thiago Santos. The fight was looked at as a title eliminator. The winner was said to be in line to face Blachowicz next year for the undisputed light heavyweight championship.

However, a wrench was thrown into the plans here. Last week it was announced that Israel Adesanya would be moving up for a UFC light heavyweight championship match. He’s expected to take on Jan Blachowicz at some point early next year.

Last Saturday at UFC Vegas 13, Glover Teixeira defeated Thiago Santos. The 41 year old won his fifth straight fight making him the clear number one contender in the light heavyweight division. However, because of the Adesanya fight, we have no idea when Teixeira will actually get a shot.

UFC’s Current Situation

When it comes to selling, Israel Adesanya challenging for the title is much bigger than Glover Teixeira for the UFC. Adesanya is a superstar who has the chance to become an even bigger star by capturing his second championship.

For the sake of the article, let’s say that Adesanya is able to defeat Blachowicz next year to capture the title. Glover Teixeira will just get the first crack at Adesanya right? Unfortunately for the 41 year old contender, it’s not that easy.

Adesanya recently said that he would still plan on fighting at 185 and defending both titles if he were to win. There’s a good chance that he would move back down after capturing the light heavyweight title to rematch with Robert Whittaker.

Even if he decides to stay at 205 for back-to-back fights, the likelihood that Teixeira would get the first title shot is low. If Adesanya defeats Blachowicz, the UFC will likely do everything they can to book the Adesanya – Jon Jones fight.

This would be the biggest fight that the promotion could possibly make. However, it would be at the expense of Glover Teixeira. With the Adesanya – Blachowicz fight in the works, the best thing for Glover’s chances is a Blachowicz win. However, if Adesanya wins, God only knows when Teixeira will actually get the shot he deserves.

What’s next for Glover Teixeira after UFC Vegas 13 victory?

by
Anthony Smith, UFC

This past weekend at UFC Vegas 13, Glover Teixeira (32-7) made a big statement with his victory. Teixeira was the underdog as he took on former title challenger, Thiago Santos. Santos was making his UFC return after a lengthy layoff due to knee injuries.

The last time we had seen Santos, he fought to a split decision with Jon Jones. He did that essentially on one leg. Prior to that, he had knocked out current UFC light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz when they fought. Many were expecting another knockout from Santos.

As the fight got started, it looked like that’s where we were headed. Santos wobbled Teixeira badly in the opening seconds. However, Teixeira remained poised and he was able to land a takedown. Once the fight got to the ground, it was all Teixeira.

However, in the third round, Santos appeared close to another finish. A massive left hook floored Teixeira. Santos followed up with vicious shots on the ground, but Teixeira wouldn’t go away. Teixeira reversed the position to end up on top.

Following that, an exhausted Santos gave up his back. Once Teixeira had his back, the end was near. Teixeira locked up a rear naked choke and forced Santos to tap out. This was the fifth straight UFC victory for the 41 year old Teixeira who’s enjoying a massive career resurgence.

What’s next after UFC Vegas 13?

There should be a really clear answer to this question. Following UFC Vegas 13, Glover Teixeira should be getting a shot at the UFC light heavyweight championship. The man deserves a shot after stringing together five straight victories.

This fight was originally looked at as a title eliminator. However, it’s not that clear anymore. The prior weekend saw Dana White announce that middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, would be getting the next crack at Jan Blachowicz. 

With that in mind, it appears that the UFC will have to figure out something else for Teixeira. Teixeira is in a really tough spot right now. If he decides to compete again before getting his title shot, there aren’t a ton of fights out there for him.

One potential option would be a rematch with Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. Rumble will be making his return to the UFC in 2021. When fought previously, Teixeira was knocked out in 14 seconds. Perhaps a rematch is in order considering a title shot might not happen anytime soon.