With his stunning submission victory over Jan Blachowicz in the second round of the main event of UFC 267, Glover Teixeira became the second-oldest champion in history and the oldest first-time champion.
“Never give up on your dreams, no matter what people say, don’t listen to them,” Teixeira said after the fight. “I’m breaking the rules, 42 years old. And I’m gonna keep breaking the rules.”
Glover Teixeira executed his gameplan with a rear-naked choke to force Jan Blachowicz into submission in the second round, leaving the ESPN commentary team stunned.
“Teixeira has done it,” Jon Amik said in commentary. “Unbelievable. It took him so long to get here, he is now the second-oldest UFC champion in history.”
Daniel Cormier said it was a “miracle” for Teixeira. “Tremendous,” Cormier said. “To watch a man after all this time, never giving up on himself after 20 years, inspiring stuff. Do you believe in miracles? We saw one tonight.”
Born in Sobrália, Brazil, Glover Teixeira worked in landscaping while he started his training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. John Hackleman eventually invited him to train with world-renowned fighter Chuck Liddell at The Pit in California.
The UFC signed Teixeira in 2012 and he made his debut with a first-round submission victory against Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 146 on May 26, 2012. His wins against Kingsbury, Fabio Maldonado, Quinton Jackson, James Te Huna and Ryan Bader led to a title shot against Jon Jones but he lost via unanimous decision at UFC 172 on April 26, 2014.
Teixeira has also competed for organizations like WEC, SF, PFC, Bitetti Combat, Impact FC and Shooto Brazil and he’s represented the Brazilian National Wrestling. Nowadays he still trains in his Teixeira MMA & Fitness gym, which was established in 2014. The 42-year-old has won seven of his last eight fights, including six straight against Karl Roberson, Ion Cutelaba, Nikita Krylov, Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos and Blachowicz.
Born: October 28, 1979
Age: 42
Country: Brazil
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 205 lbs
Reach: 76″
Stance: Orthodox
Association: Teixeira MMA & Fitness
Class: Light Heavyweight
Record: 33-7
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