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RIO DE JANEIRO — Glover Teixeira’s grappling will all the time be his greatest menace in opposition to fighters like Jamahal Hill, however his teammate Alex Pereira sees extra paths to victory.
Pereira, who took the UFC middleweight championship away from longtime rival Israel Adesanya, mentioned in an interview with MMA Preventing that his good friend can cease Hill on the ft, too.
“Something can occur,” mentioned Pereira, who corners Teixeira within the mild heavyweight title combat at UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. “Many individuals discuss concerning the grappling, that Glover will submit [Hill]. There’s a greater likelihood that occurs, after all, however individuals overlook that he has a number of knockouts. I additionally see him knocking this man out. Something can occur. It’s going to be a fantastic combat.”
Teixeira was initially scheduled to rematch Jiri Prochazka for the 205-pound championship, however he ended up watching Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev collide for the vacant throne as a substitute. When that match led to a draw, the UFC paired up Teixeira and Hill for the title in Brazil.
Pereira mentioned the rollercoaster of feelings was wild, however the 43-year-old veteran has sufficient expertise to cope with it and put together for a giant combat. “Poatan” revealed that Teixeira by no means stopped coaching after Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev was booked as a result of “he knew one thing good was coming for him.”
“He’s comfortable and motivated, and I believe that’s crucial,” Pereira mentioned. “It’s combat for him. It’s all the time a harmful combat, a younger man, however I believe it’s a greater combat for him. Glover is extra skilled, however I believe this can be a nice combat for me. And seeing him that excited, that makes extra happier and extra assured.”
Watch Glover Teixeira’s pre-fight media scrum under.
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