Tonight, the UFC returned for their 13th Fight Night inside the APEX. In the main event of the evening, the promotion had a big-time matchup in the light heavyweight division as Thiago Santos (21-7) took on Glover Teixeira (31-7).
Both of these men were looking to take another step towards another shot at UFC gold. Originally, this fight was supposed to be a title eliminator. However, the UFC recently announced that Israel Adesanya would be getting the next shot at light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz.
Nevertheless, this was still a big matchup for the pecking order at light heavyweight. We hadn’t seen Santos since his loss to Jon Jones. That night, Santos proved he was one of the best in the world. The 41 year old Glover Teixeira was looking for his fifth straight UFC victory.
Opening Rounds
As the UFC Vegas 13 main event got underway, Santos immediately looked to utilize his kicks. Santos winged some big power shots in the opening minute, but nothing was landing. However, out of nowhere, a massive combination wobbled Teixeira badly.
Santos followed up with some serious shots, but Teixeira hung tough. Teixeira created a scramble and was able to take Santos to the ground. Santos worked his way back up, but Teixeira slammed Santos back down and transitioned right to the mount.
Teixeira started to throw some serious ground and pound, but Santos was able to get back to half guard. The top pressure was sensational for Teixeira. After a really rocky start, a dominant close to the round gives the first to Glover Teixeira.
To start the second round, Santos opened with a couple of strong kicks. However, Teixeira shot in deep for a double leg and took Santos right back down. Teixeira landed a couple of really good shots as he looked to pass Santos’ guard.
Halfway through the round, Teixeira really started to tee off with massive elbows. Santos appeared a little overwhelmed in his UFC return. Teixeira was able to get to side control with a minute left in the second round. Teixeira locked in a deep rear naked choke, but the bell ended the round before Teixeira could finish it.
Five straight UFC wins
As the third round started, Teixeira immediately shot in for another takedown. However, Santos was able to defend well. Santos dropped Teixeira out of no where with a massive left hook. Santos followed up with some massive shots.
Teixeira pulled Santos into his guard and looked to recover. Santos started teeing off with massive elbow, but he lost the leverage. Teixeira pushed Santos against the fence and took him back down. Santos looked extremely gassed and Teixeira took his back.
It didn’t take long from there. Teixeira was able to lock in the rear naked choke once again. Santos was forced to tap and Glover Teixeira has won his fifth straight in the UFC‘s light heavyweight division.