For the first time in nearly three years, the UFC is returning to Brazil for UFC 283. Brazil hosted the last event before the Covid-19 Pandemic shut down all of the sport; since then, the UFC has not returned. But this weekend, the starved Brazilian fans get what they want with an incredible fight card. Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill will be fighting for the vacant UFC 205lb title. I’ll be breaking down the key ways for Teixeira to win his way to his second title.
Experience for Glover Teixeira is Key
Over 21 years of experience, Teixeria has accumulated going 33-8 in his MMA career. Not arriving in the UFC till 2012 during the reign of Jon Jones, being halfway through is career already left him at a disadvantage before he even started. To Teixeira’s credit, he manages to go on a five win streak until getting a title shot against Jon Jones and inevitably becoming another one of Jones’ victims. During his career, Teixeira faced every style and every challenge and had every outcome, which is something Hill has not experienced, which is something I believe will be a key part of this fight in how Teixeria reacts to Hill’s unique challenges.
Jiu Jitsu Black Belt
Teixeria has some of the most legendary BJJ in the sport. Hill’s only loss on his record is from Scotland’s own BJJ wizard Paul Craig via TKO, but really if you watch it, he has Hill in a Triangle choke and snapped Hill’s arm, but Hill refused to tap. One mistake from Hill and Teixeria will capitalise on that mistake and submit him, so any time it hits the mat, expect a finish. Teixeira holds submissions over Jan Blachowicz, Thiago Santos and many more, so this is a key strategy.
It’s Not the Size of the Dog in the Fight It’s the Size of the Fight in the Dog
We saw many incredible fights last year, but one truly stood out, Teixeira’s title defence against Jiri Prochaska in Singapore won many fights of the year awards for the back-and-forth war that was. In the fight, Jiri landed many one-punch knockout blows at Teixeira, but Teixeira weathered the storm and nearly won the fight. I believe that if Teixeira can withstand strikes from Jiri, then I believe that he’ll have the ‘will to win’ to get past Hill’s more significant strikes. Especially being in Brazil. If Teixeira can weather the first rounds, I believe that may be the deciding factor in this contest.
The Question Still Remains…
Teixeira has many ways to win, more ways than Hill does, but it’s whether Teixeira can stay in the fight long enough to enforce his will on Hill. If Glover Teixeira can pull this off in Brazil in front of his home fans, it’ll be a very special moment for everyone watching at home and in attendance. Tune in and witness history.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
