Glover Teixeira

What’s next for Thiago Santos after UFC Vegas 13

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This past weekend at UFC Vegas 13, Thiago Santos (21-8) made his return after being out for well over a year due to knee injuries. Santos pushed Jon Jones to the limit in their title fight and he did it after tearing his knee up in the second round of their fight.

For that reason, many were excited to see the formal UFC title challenger return to action. The general thought was that he would be able to finish his opponent. His opponent was another former title challenger in 41 year old Glover Teixeira (32-7).

Teixeira has turned his UFC career completely around. The 41 year old was looking for his fifth straight victory inside the octagon. The fight started how most thought it would. A big Santos flurry wobbled Teixeira badly. However, the veteran maintained his composure and used his wrestling to get the fight down.

Santos really had no answer for the ground game of Teixeira. After that initial flurry, Teixeira went on to dominate the rest of the first and second rounds. Then, Santos floored Teixeira with a massive left hook to start the third. He appeared close to be finishing the fight.

Santos emptied the tanks looking for the finish, but Teixeira wouldn’t go away. Once again, Teixeira got Santos down, and got immediately to his back. Once there, Santos found himself in rear naked choke where he was forced to tap.

What’s next after UFC Vegas 13?

This was not the UFC return that Thiago Santos was looking for. There were moments in the fight were he looked sensational. However, those were outdone by his lack of defense on the ground and the wrestling skills of Glover Teixiera.

If Santos would have come out and stopped Teixeira in the first round, he would have made a really strong case for a title shot. However, now he must go back to the drawing board and look to improve for his next UFC outing.

In looking at the rankings, there are a couple of fights that could make sense for Santos. A fight with Aleksandar Rakic is one that I think a lot of people would be interested in. Or perhaps, Santos could welcome back Anthony “Rumble” Johnson in his next fight.

Glover Teixeira forces Thiago Santos to tap at UFC Vegas 13

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Anthony Smith, UFC

Tonight, the UFC returned for their 13th Fight Night inside the APEX. In the main event of the evening, the promotion had a big-time matchup in the light heavyweight division as Thiago Santos (21-7) took on Glover Teixeira (31-7).

Both of these men were looking to take another step towards another shot at UFC gold. Originally, this fight was supposed to be a title eliminator. However, the UFC recently announced that Israel Adesanya would be getting the next shot at light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz.

Nevertheless, this was still a big matchup for the pecking order at light heavyweight. We hadn’t seen Santos since his loss to Jon Jones. That night, Santos proved he was one of the best in the world. The 41 year old Glover Teixeira was looking for his fifth straight UFC victory.

Opening Rounds

As the UFC Vegas 13 main event got underway, Santos immediately looked to utilize his kicks. Santos winged some big power shots in the opening minute, but nothing was landing. However, out of nowhere, a massive combination wobbled Teixeira badly.

Santos followed up with some serious shots, but Teixeira hung tough. Teixeira created a scramble and was able to take Santos to the ground. Santos worked his way back up, but Teixeira slammed Santos back down and transitioned right to the mount.

Teixeira started to throw some serious ground and pound, but Santos was able to get back to half guard. The top pressure was sensational for Teixeira. After a really rocky start, a dominant close to the round gives the first to Glover Teixeira.

To start the second round, Santos opened with a couple of strong kicks. However, Teixeira shot in deep for a double leg and took Santos right back down. Teixeira landed a couple of really good shots as he looked to pass Santos’ guard.

Halfway through the round, Teixeira really started to tee off with massive elbows. Santos appeared a little overwhelmed in his UFC return. Teixeira was able to get to side control with a minute left in the second round. Teixeira locked in a deep rear naked choke, but the bell ended the round before Teixeira could finish it.

Five straight UFC wins

As the third round started, Teixeira immediately shot in for another takedown. However, Santos was able to defend well. Santos dropped Teixeira out of no where with a massive left hook. Santos followed up with some massive shots.

Teixeira pulled Santos into his guard and looked to recover. Santos started teeing off with massive elbow, but he lost the leverage. Teixeira pushed Santos against the fence and took him back down. Santos looked extremely gassed and Teixeira took his back.

It didn’t take long from there. Teixeira was able to lock in the rear naked choke once again. Santos was forced to tap and Glover Teixeira has won his fifth straight in the UFC‘s light heavyweight division.

UFC: Thiago Santos – Glover Teixiera fight pushed back (Reports)

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Anthony Smith, UFC

The UFC has lost it’s main event for it’s fight night that was scheduled next week on September 12th. Glover Teixiera (31-7) has test positive for COVID-19. First reported by Combate and confirmed by MMA Junkie.

With the positive test, the highly anticipated light heavyweight showdown with Thiago Santos (21-7) is being pushed back to October 3rd. Given that this fight was originally scheduled to be the main event next week, I wouldn’t be shocked if it bumps Holm – Aldana considering the interest in this fight.

UFC loses another fight to COVID

The UFC has done a fantastic job of putting on live events since May. However, the promotion has had to cancel a number of fights due to COVID-19. This one really hurts because the UFC didn’t have a clear fight that can take over the main event slot next week.

Likely the co-main event of Michelle Waterson – Angela Hill will slide up to the main event. While that’s a good fight, I’m not sure it’s a UFC main event. Fortunately, we will see get to see the UFC title eliminator between Santos and Teixiera next month.

Later in October on Fight Island, Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz will be fighting for the UFC light heavyweight title. The winner of this Santos – Teixiera matchup will be the first in line for the title. With the fight being pushed back, there will be less down time for the winner of the fight.

UFC: Glover Teixeira – Thiago Santos to headline September 12th Fight Night

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Anthony Smith, UFC

The UFC has finalized a big-time light heavyweight matchup to headline their September 12th card from the APEX. According to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, the UFC has finalized a fight between top contenders Glover Teixeira (31-7) and Thiago Santos (21-7).

Big fight for the UFC’s light heavyweight division

This is a big fight when it comes to pecking order in the light heavyweight division. Teixeira has seen a resurgence in his career since the beginning of 2019. Teixeira will be getting ready to turn 41 years old on fight night, but he’s rattled off four consecutive wins including a stoppage over top contender, Anthony Smith

Teixeira is trying to fight for one more chance at the UFC title. Teixeira’s one shot at the title came back in 2014 against Jon Jones. Since losing that fight, Teixeira has gone 9-4 in the UFC. A win over Santos would put him in prime position for one more chance at the title. However, winning is not going to be an easy task.

We have not seen Thiago Santos since he last fought against Jon Jones at UFC 239. Santos tore his ACL in the fight, and now he’s ready to return. Santos has looked like a completely different fighter since he moved up to 205 pounds. Prior to the Jones fight, Santos had won four fights in a row including knockouts over Jimi Manuwa and Jan Blachowicz.

A win for either man on September 12th could mean a shot at the light heavyweight title. The division is in flux right now while Jon Jones figures things out with the UFC. Dominick Reyes is likely to get the next shot or perhaps Jan Blachowicz. However, the winner of this fight in September will not be far behind.