Glover Teixeira Hits Matchmaking Bullseye by Proposing Fight With “Shogun” Rua

Following Glover Teixeira’s come-from-behind victory at UFC Brooklyn, the light-heavyweight contender’s hit the matchmaking bullseye, by calling for a bout with fellow Brazilian star, “Shogun” Rua.

Things weren’t looking good for Teixeira in the opening moments of his bout with Karl Roberson. As Teixeira worked for a takedown along the cage, Roberson stunned him badly with a series of elbows to the head. The well-rounded fighter recovered, however, and not long after Teixeira had sunk in a fight ending, arm-triangle-choke.

Well, following the memorable win, Teixeira was asked about his next bout, and the rugged vet proposed a showdown with his fellow countryman, the aforementioned Rua (quotes via MMA Junkie);

“Fighting in Brazil is my goal, especially if it could be the main event,” Teixeira said. “… And I’d love to have that fight with (Mauricio Rua). If ‘Shogun’ accepts that fight, I’d love to take that fight.”

“The way he fights, the way I fight – you know, we’re going to go in there and brawl,” Teixeira said. “‘Shogun,’ he’s a legend. We’re in this sport for this. We want to fight those guys. We want to fight the legend like Shogun. Dangerous, experienced guys. Everything, everything. He’s a legend, man. Who doesn’t want to fight ‘Shogun’?”

Yup, there are several reasons why this fight makes a ton of sense. First off, as Teixeira alluded to, stylistically it’s hard to imagine this bout disappointing. It may not last too long, considering the finishing abilities of both men and their aggressive approaches, but it has the makings of a very entertaining bout.

Second, when you consider where these two are in their careers, the timing seems perfect. Rua is 37, and Teixeira is 39, so, it would kind of be a shame if these two, great light-heavyweights never battled in the cage. Further, Teixeira and Rua are ranked #12 and #13 respectively, so it’s not like one fighter is positioned way higher than the other, or one fighter is in the title shot mix while the other is not. There shouldn’t be any disagreements from either camp, insofar that one fighter has much more to lose than the other.

Then of course, there’s the fact they’re both Brazilian. So, with the UFC reportedly targeting an event in the South American country in May, Rua – Teixeira could unquestionably serve as co-headliner or even a main event.

Now, does any of this mean it will happen? No. But Teixeira is certainly onto something here.