Daniel Cormier
Daniel Cormier backs Glover Teixeira’s decision to turn down a last-minute fight against Magomed Ankalaev
Former UFC simultaneous two-division champion Daniel Cormier has backed Glover Teixeira for deciding to turn down a last-minute fight against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 282. Jiri Prochazka was supposed to defend his title against Glover Teixeira at UFC 282 on December 10 in Las Vegas. He posted on Instagram that he was giving up the title because he had injured his shoulder while training for the Teixeira fight. Prochazka claims he needs surgery and will be out for at least six months, with recovery taking more than a year.
The UFC offered Glover Teixeira a fight against surging contender Magomed Ankalaev for the now-vacant light heavyweight throne, but the Brazilian declined. Teixeira wanted time to prepare for the completely different stylistic matchup, however, the UFC could not hold back the division.
Speaking in a recent episode of the DC & RC show on ESPN, Daniel Cormier voiced his support for Teixeira:
“I believe that, honestly, I would do the same thing if I was Glover. It’s different. When I was fighting, they told me, as the champ, would you fight Derrick Lewis on three weeks’ notice? Knowing the matchup, I said, sure. Stipe Miocic, I would not have fought on three weeks’ notice, because it’s a different matchup. When I had to fight [Anthony] ‘Rumble’ Johnson for the vacant title, God rest his soul, sure, I’ll fight ‘Rumble’ Johnson. When they said Dan Henderson on a few weeks’ — six weeks, five weeks, whatever, I wasn’t in camp — sure, because I know the matchup.”
Former UFC light heavyweight titleholder Glover Teixeira turned down the opportunity to face rising contender Magomed Ankalaev. Teixeira wished for more time to prepare for the stylistically disparate matchup, but the UFC was unable to halt the division.
Speaking with ESPN, Teixeira further shed light on the decision:
“I told them I needed more time for this guy, that he has a different style. The guy is a southpaw. I said, ‘What about fighting him in Brazil’ (at UFC 283)? They denied that and said they needed someone to fight in Vegas. I said, ‘OK, I’ll fight Jan in Vegas. If you’re going to throw me off, Jan has a regular stance. Ankalaev is a totally different game. I need more time.”
Furthermore, he added: “I think I’ll fight the winner of the two, because I’m still the No. 1 contender. But they can take anybody they want. They can take someone not even ranked to fight for the title, because it’s their company.”
The way he sees it, this could probably be his last shot at the title and Glover Teixeira does not wants to leave any stones unturned in preparation:
“This could be my last chance to fight for the title. I want to win this belt. I’m training like a maniac. I am a professional. Every time I show up, I put on a great fight. Win or lose, I’m not going to go in there and just show up to fight a guy because they say so. This is a dangerous game, and I need to prepare myself the best I can. My family is watching me. I have a lot of students in the gym watching me. I need to be professional. So, I am 100 percent behind the decision I made.”
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