Glover Teixeira takes on Jamahal Hill for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 283. The fight headlines the promotion’s first return to Brazil since 2020. Let’s take a look at both men in the main event.
Glover Teixeira
Born in Sobràlia, Minais Gerais, Brazil, he moved to the US in 1999 to pursue a better life for his family, finding mixed martial arts after seeing Mike Tyson, Royce Gracie, and Chuck Liddell compete. The 43-year-old made his UFC debut in 2012, putting together a five-fight win streak before losing to Jon Jones in his first title opportunity in 2014.
From there, his form was up and down before he put together a streak from 2019 – 2021, culminating with a title win over Jan Blachowiczat the age of 42. The Brazilian lost the belt to Jiri Prochazka in Singapore back in June 2022 and is looking to become a two-time champion on Saturday night.
Holding a 33-8 overall record (16-6 inside UFC), the #2 ranked light heavyweight has 18 KO/TKOs, 10 submissions, and 5 decisions on his record. Most importantly, Teixeira is extremely experienced going into his ninth UFC main event and holds notable victories over Jan Blachowicz, Thiago Santos, Anthony Smith, and Jared Cannonier.
The now-Connecticut resident has solid boxing to compete with anyone in the division, coupled with big knockout power and durability. He has solid wrestling with good top control, as shown in the Anthony Smith fight. Also, the BJJ black belt has some of the best grappling in the sport, especially transitionally.
Jamahal ‘Sweet Dreams’ Hill
Hill only made his professional MMA debut in 2017, but just six years later he finds himself in a title fight. He competed on the third season of Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019 and will be just the third competitor to fight for UFC gold. However, he could become the first from the show to win the belt after Alex Perez and Taila Santos tasted defeat.
The American made his UFC debut six months later in January of 2017 and has since amassed a 5-1, 1 NC record inside the promotion – taking his overall record to 11-1, 1 NC. Going into his third main event, ‘Sweet Dreams’ is on a three-fight win streak (all knockouts), with the most recent coming over the now-PFL fighter, Thiago Santos. Other notable wins include Johnny Walker and former title challenger, Ovince Saint-Preux.
The Chicago-born man is an all-action fighter, only going to the judges’ scorecards once inside the UFC. He has massive knockout power, on both the front foot and back foot with a good variety of attacks that he uses. The #7 ranked contender has a very active clinch game and decent takedown defense at 65% (UFC Stats), an aspect of his game that will surely be tested on Saturday night.
How Do They Match Up?
It seems silly for Glover not to try and take this to the ground, where he has a clear advantage. In addition, there have been a few occasions where Hill has repeatedly been taken down, six times against Dario Stosic and the same again against Thiago Santos (UFC Stats). However, the title fight debutant has nothing to lose, which could be very dangerous for Glover. Neither fighter can afford to make mistakes, especially Teixeira, because one shot from Hill could put him to sleep.
Prediction: This fight may have come too soon for Jamahal Hill, despite his talents. The experience will prevail and Glover Teixeira will win by submission.
Featured Image Credits to Embed from Getty Images
