Glover Teixeira Weighs-in on Israel Adesanya’s Chances at LHW

As the UFC works to finalize a fight between light heavyweight champ Jan Blachowicz and middleweight king Israel Adesanya, Glover Teixeira has shared his thoughts on the compelling bout.

While the longtime, light heavyweight contender understands how talented of a fighter Adesanya is, Teixeira believes the star could have some trouble ahead.

Teixeira says the “pressure is different”

After Adesanya took out Paulo Costa at UFC 253 in September, the champ relayed he hoped to face Jared Cannonier next. Cannonier, however, needed to get by former champ Robert Whittaker at UFC 254. 

That didn’t happen, as Whittaker won the fight via decision.

Well, now the UFC is planning to have Adesanya challenge the new light heavyweight champ, Blachowicz. Although the bout isn’t official yet, all the necessary parties have said they’re on board.

Ahead of Teixeira’s bout this Saturday with Thiago Santos, he was asked to weigh-in on Adesnya’s move to 205 pounds. Here’s what the dangerous fighter had to say (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“He’s good and would get to the top, for sure,” Teixeira said. “He’s good as hell, good athlete, good fighter, super intelligent, and for sure would get to the top, but the weight [difference], everything counts.

I know that because I train with heavyweights, and it’s hard. The fatigue, the pressure is different”

It will be really interesting to see how the fight unfolds. The consensus seems to be that Adesanya’s footwork and dynamic striking will win out.

But, there’s no doubt that Blachwociz will be the bigger, stronger man in the cage. So, if he can chase Adesanya down, or if he lands any big shots, things could get interesting, real quick.

Teixeira comments on Blachowicz’s title win

Blachowicz secured the vacant title at UFC 253, by taking out Dominick Reyes. Leading up to that bout, the narrative seemed to be that while Blachowicz is clearly, very dangerous, Reyes would likely take the fight.

After all, he was coming off a controversial, decision loss to now-former champ, Jon Jones.

Teixeira was asked for his take on Blachowicz’s title win, and he said this.

“I didn’t expect him to win, not like that, dominating like that,” Teixeira said. “I thought he could win, they are on the same level.

I thought Reyes would have an advantage with the way he moves and his power but, honestly, when I saw their staredown in the center of the cage, I expected Reyes to be a lot bigger.”

There you have it. Back to Teixeira, if he beats Santos at UFC Vegas 13, he could very well be looking at a championship bout in mid-2021.