UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira will be taking on the challenger Jiri Prochazka this June 11.
At UFC 275, Teixeira will defend his 205-lbs title against one of the hottest rising prospects in the promotion. Having racked up five wins in a row, Teixeira got a shot at the title against Jan Blachowicz. Teixeira shocked the former titleholder with a rear-naked choke submission in the second round last October to take home the promotional gold.
Jiri Prochazka has burst onto the MMA scene as one of the most unconventional fighters in recent times. The Czech native is known for his unique style of fighting where he’s willing to absorb shots methodically in order to trade some of his own.
In a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Glover Teixeira shared his thoughts on the danger he sees in fighting Prochazka. He acknowledged the unique style of the Czech fighter but remained confident about his abilities.
“I know that Jiri has a different style. I’m aware of that, we worked on that”
“That’s what Jiri is good for. He wait around a little bit, he keeps his hands down. He wants you to commit. Like you say, he keep his hands down, he doesn’t care too much getting hit. He wants to get this punch over there. Of course, it’s something I gotta be aware of it. And also is the takedown. Also, I’m going to have the takedowns there when he’s coming in like he knows I’m going to go for that leg.”
Glover Teixeira talks retirement after another fight
Before the start of the fight camp for UFC 275, Teixeira had indicated the possibility of retirement after fighting two more times. That would mean just one more bout in the UFC after his upcoming match against Prochazka. Although he had spoken on the likelihood of him hanging up the gloves, Teixeira has shifted his stance now that he’s in camp.
“When you guys ask me question way before I get into camp it’s almost like, ‘maybe I fight one more time or two more. But when I’m in camp right now, man. I’m a lion man. You gotta come see my training, then you’ll see. You’re probably not even going to ask the question about retirement.”
While Teixeira did confess it would be the fairytale ending if he retires as the champ given a successful title defense this June 11, the 42-year-old has not made any definitive statements on the subject.
