Anthony Smith understands why Glover Teixeira has long been one of the UFC’s top light-heavyweights, and the contender clearly admires the highly regarded fighter. But, not surprisingly, Smith promises he’ll do his best to take out the vet, and he also has some ideas as to how.

Smith praises Teixeira, but will be looking to “take his head off”

Smith and Teixeira were originally supposed to fight on April 25th at an event in Lincoln, Nebraska. But, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the fight will now headline the UFC’s May 13th event in Jacksonville, Florida.

As a result of the pandemic, Smith has been forced to train in far less than ideal circumstances, like all fighters these days. But, while talking to MMA Junkie recently, he relayed he never had any doubt that Teixeira would be there to fight, when the UFC had a card set.

“It’s still my main man Glover,” Smith said. “I’m telling you: I haven’t for a second wondered if Glover was going to make this fight.

It’s been one part of it that’s been a big relief to me. He’s just a gamer. He shows up when he says he’s going to show up and that’s why Glover Teixeira has always had my respect.

But that doesn’t change the fact that I’m going to go in there and try to take his head off. I respect that dude. He hasn’t for a second wavered.

He’s been in this fight with me through all the date changes and all the postponements. We’ve been in this thing ready to roll whenever they’re ready to put us out there. Props to him for that.”

Yup. When it comes to fighters who seem to be universally respected in the MMA industry, Teixeira is probably up there.

The 4o-year-old has been a top light-heavyweight for close to a decade, he’s not a big trash talker, and he’s ridiculously dangerous. Teixeira is also extremely well-rounded.

Smith talks strategy

So, on account of Teixeira’s toughness and abilities, Smith had this to say while talking about how he plans to approach the fight.

“I do think with my pressure and just being pinpoint accurate, I think I need a late finish,” Smith said. “I think Glover’s going to be forced to take some bad shots to stay safe and I think it will be a submission.

That one would mean a lot to me. Getting a submission win over someone as heralded as Glover Teixeira on the ground? He’s a really good black belt.

But so am I. I think Glover’s going to be hard to knock out and I’m trying to be a little smarter with my hands these days.

So we’re going heavier volume, we’re going to throttle the power back a little bit and be a little more tactical. I’m going to see if we can submit Glover Teixeira.”

Tapping-out Teixeira would be a massive feather in Smith’s cap. No question. The Brazilian star has never been submitted in MMA action.

Can Smith do it? It looks like we’ll see soon enough.

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