VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Glover Teixeira believes the UFC light heavyweight division has gained a big boost with the addition of some new fighters.
Teixeira (29-7 MMA, 12-5 UFC), a former 205-pound title challenger who meets Nikita Krylov (25-6 MMA, 7-4 UFC) on Saturday in the UFC on ESPN+ 16 co-main event, is slowly making the climb back toward the top of the weight class to fight for the belt.
In addition to his showdown with Krylov, the Brazilian said he’s interested in the possibility of matchups with former middleweight notables such as Luke Rockhold, Chris Weidman and Ronaldo Souza.
“It’s great for the sport, it’s great for us in the light heavyweight division,” Teixeira told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at UFC on ESPN+ 16 open workouts. “The big names like Rockhold, Chris Weidman and ‘Jacare’ coming to the division. I love it because there’s a lot of big names coming to the light heavyweight division and a lot of competition.”
While a fight against one of those established names could be in the offing, Teixeira looks to his fight with Krylov, who is far younger and newer to the sport. The challenge excites Teixeira, though, especially given Krylov brings a 100 percent career finish rate in the bout.
“I’m almost 40 so I’m always going to fight the guys younger than me,” Teixeira said. “He’s the kind of guy that comes after the fight like me. A lot like me. I like his style. It’s not a boring fight. It’s what the fans like to see, I’ll come after him as well and for sure this fight is not going to a decision.”
