Santos & Teixeira Hope to Punt Plans For Adesanya – Blachowicz Fight

UFC President Dana White has confirmed that the promotion’s working on a Israel Adesanya – Jan Blachowicz fight. But, light heavyweight contenders Thiago Santos and Glover Teixeira intend to punt that plan with a big win at UFC Vegas 13.

Santos and Teixeira intend to lock up title shot

Until recently, the consensus was that the winner of this Saturday’s bout between Santos and Teixeira would be next for the new light heavyweight champ, Blachowicz.  After all, Santos is ranked #1 and Teixeira is #3.

But, since Jared Cannonier lost to Robert Whittaker at UFC 254, the promotion decided to move forward with Adesanya – Blachowicz. The middleweight champ had said he hoped to face Cannonier next, if he beat Whittaker.

Well, while talking to the media ahead of UFC Vegas 13, Santos had this to say about the UFC’s plans for the 205 title (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“Honestly when I saw the first time, I felt a little bit frustrated,” Santos said. “After I spoke with my manager, we need to understand how things look.

I need to do my best. I need to (beat) Glover Teixeira. After that fight, we will see what happens.

People speak about Adesanya but still they don’t have contracts. Everything can change. My focus is to do my best this Saturday and make a great victory, then after that we will see.”

And Teixeira had this take on the situation.

“I’m not disappointed yet. It didn’t happen yet,” Teixeira said. “Everything’s possible. We’ll see after this fight.

I’ll go in there and make some noise. I never really talk too much (expletive), but I’ll have to to promote this fight and get Adesanya out of there and take over the title fight.

That’s what I’ll do. Take him back to 185.”

Will they get their wish?

Now, you can understand why Santos and Teixeira are hoping to derail plans for the super fight, so they can fight for the belt next. Especially Teixeira, who has been in the title shot mix for years.

But, unless the UFC can’t come to terms for Adesanya – Blachowicz, it’s hard to imagine promotion changing gears. Even if Santos or Teixeira score an electrifying win on Saturday.