UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Teixeira Preview and Odds
Two of the top light heavyweights to never wear UFC gold meet Saturday as Thiago Santos (-230) returns vs. Glover Teixeira (+190).The scheduled five-rounder headlines UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Teixeira.
Given Santos nearly dethroned ex-205 pound champ Jon Jones after blowing his knee out during round two vs. ‘Bones’ last June, this fight could produce the next challenger for newly minted ruler Jan Blachowicz. In fact, even after lengthy rehab to repair several torn ligaments, Thiago Santos remains the division’s top challenger. No. three ranked Teixeira, however, will test the durability of 36-year-old “Marreta’s” surgically repaired MCL, ACL, PCL and meniscus.
Before that possibly career altering setback, Santos ran through eight of nine challenges and rendered Blachowicz unconscious in 2019. A rematch between the men seems nearly inevitable provided health issues aren’t nagging. Though, at 41 Glover Teixeira poses serious threat, especially if durability becomes burdensome for Santos.
A look at each fighter reveals successful Octagon runs. Well rounded Teixeira has won five of six, including a memorable recent beating of Anthony Smith. That win propelled the Brazilian back up the rankings, and puts the veteran one win from another title shot.
Likewise, Santos carries momentum into Saturday night and boasts 13-6 stead vs. Octagon competition while erasing eleven of those names. Yet, as hot as he’s been, the TaTa Fight Team member is facing a finisher and has been stopped four times. A fragile knee, questionable ground game and suspect chin are all easily exploited by Glover Teixeira (18 TKO’s, eight submissions).
That noted, advanced rehab methods may have actually improved Santos’ knee. If that’s the case, and the betting public feels it is, expect a mid-fight stoppage from the no. 1 contender in an encounter where he owns the reflex and speed edge. Also consider, for all his highlights Teixeira has never defeated a marquee prime challenger.
Matchup: Height and reach (6'2, 76') are identitcal between the highly rated light heavyweights. Glover owns grappling and submission advantages, while Santos is the more powerful, dynamic striker. Look for "Marreta" to begin cautiously before gradually wearing his opponent down with heavy strikes beginning in round two. From there, Teixeira will look his age while carrying just a puncher's chance before Santos lands a night-ender to stamp his rematch ticket vs. champion Jan Blachowicz.
This encounter should be one of 2020's more intriguing matchups as Thiago Santos returns to form with another big win.
Winner: Thiago Santos