Dana White: Glover Teixeira’s Title Shot Comments Aren’t “Wrong”

UFC President Dana White hasn’t said that Glover Teixeira will be the next man to challenge new light heavyweight champ, Jan Blachowicz. But following UFC Vegas 13, White didn’t rule out the possibility that Teixeira, and not Israel Adesanya, will fight for the 205 title next.

White says Teixeira is “not wrong”

Teixeira took on the #1 ranked Thiago Santos on Saturday night, and at a couple of points, it looked like his four fight winning streak would be halted.

Santos had Teixeira badly hurt on a couple of occasions. But the rugged vet continued to battle and put his wrestling and top game to work. In round three, the 41-year-old secured the top position, after being tagged moments before, and tapped Santos out with a rear-naked-choke.

Well, since Teixiera has now won five straight, and because he’s defeated the #1 contender, the Brazilian called for a title shot after the win. While speaking to ESPN’s Laura Sanko, White had this to say, when asked to respond (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I was sitting listening to him give his interview – he’s not wrong,” White said. “It’s like, ‘I deserve the shot, I’ve been here forever.’

He’s on a streak, he looked great tonight. What’s funny is, every time I count this guy and think that

I don’t know if you got it in you, he proves me wrong. He looked incredible tonight.”

Until more recently, the expectation was that the winner of Santos – Teixeira would advance to face Blachowicz. But after Jared Cannonier lost to Robert Whittaker at UFC 254, the UFC changed gears and has been planning Adesanya -Blachowicz.

So, when White was asked whether the UFC might go with Teixeira now, and not Adesanya for Blachowicz’s next bout, he said this.

“That’s something we need to figure out,” White said. “But I heard him and I agree with him and I’m taking him serious.

So, yeah. I’m not going to doubt this guy any more.”

Blachowicz – Teixeira?

There is certainly no question that Teixeira deserves to fight for the belt. Online, it looks like a lot of hardcore fans and observers believe the UFC should go with Blachowicz – Teixeira next.

But, it would be pretty surprising if the UFC went that route. There’s no doubt that an Adesanya – Blachowicz fight would be much bigger, as ‘The Last Stylebender’ has become one of the UFC’s top stars.

That fight gives Adesanya an opportunity to become a champ-champ, and if he wins the 205 title, it could prompt Jon Jones to return to light heavyweight for that fight.

That said, you never know. If Adesanya wants to take some time off, then maybe the UFC will go with Blachowicz – Teixeira, and have the middleweight champ face the winner.