Last 2014, Glover Teixeira had a devastating loss to Phil Davis. Teixeira is not denying or explaining anything about what took place that night. He also admitted that he thinks he does not need to explain anything after his weekend meeting with Ovince Saint Preux.
In a recent interview, MMA fighter Teixeira admitted that there is nothing he can say to justify what happened in his last fight because everyone, especially the judges, saw what happened. “It would be funny if I were to complain. I really lost that fight. Truth be told, I was feeling ill during my weight recovery. But I’m not interested in looking for excuses. I’m already prepared for my next fight. But sometimes, right before a fight, something goes wrong,” he added.
“I think I had a hard time with my weight cut and recovery because I consumed too much sodium. It was my error. It was something I shouldn’t have been doing, as a professional. I cut too much weight for that fight. But now I’m more focused. I’m walking around lighter, and I’m working on my speed. After the Davis fight, I never got heavier than 230 pounds, not once,” he further added.
If this is indeed true, then the fans can expect an entirely different fighter in Teixeira this coming UFC Fight Night 73. Teixeira (22-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC) will be going up against Saint Preux (18-6 MMA, 6-1 UFC) as the headliner card this coming Saturday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The UFC Fight Pass will be aired at 6:30 p.m. ET and the prelims at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 2. The main card event will be aired at 10:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.
Since the announcement of the fight between Teixeira and Saint Preux, Teixeira is still not getting favored by the fans; Saint Preux has been getting more bets compared to Teixeira. Truth be told, both fighters are actually impressive; it’s just a matter of who will put up a better fight come fight night.
This upcoming fight will give Ovince Saint Preux a home-field advantage. The Tennessee-native will have the chance to fight in his Nashville hometown. This does not affect Teixeira at all though. “Of course, we always want fans to be behind us. A day for the hunter, a day for the prey. I’ve fought at home and won, and I’ve also fought at home and lost. Ultimately, the crowd is not much of a factor. We’re just going to get violent. Ovince Saint Preux is a great fighter. It will be a great fight,” he said.
Mixed martial arts fighter Teixeira is considering this fight a very important milestone in his career. Coming back from a 10-month rest due to a knee injury he suffered in his fight with Davis, his scheduled fight with Alexander Gustafsson was also cancelled. With a back-to-back losing streak on his fights, no wonder this 35-year old fighter is giving out his best foot forward in his upcoming fight.
“Coming off two losses just gives me extra incentive. I don’t really worry. I love this sport. I fight because I enjoy it. I love stepping into the octagon and banging it out with my opponents. It’s what I enjoy. I don’t know – I think I was born for this. Losses matter, but they don’t bother me too much since I give my best. Against Phil Davis, I was more disappointed due to some matters related to weight. But against Jon Jones, I gave my maximum. If it wasn’t enough, then I just keep moving on. I’m very motivated for my next fight. I’m lighter. I’m healthy. I’m fast. I’m moving well. I’m working on what needed to be improved. I’m highly motivated. I’ll beat that guy,” he said.