Glover Teixeira recently revealed that he’s contemplating a UFC comeback, spurred on by none other than Alex Pereira.
Teixeira hung up his gloves for good after a one-sided unanimous decision defeat to Jamahal Hill at UFC 283 in January 2023. This marked his second consecutive loss following a fifth-round submission to Jiří Procházka at UFC 275 in June 2022, a result that saw him lose the UFC light heavyweight title.
Since stepping away from the sport, the 44-year-old Brazilian has embraced the role of mentor to reigning UFC 205-pound kingpin Pereira, playing an instrumental part in his fellow countryman's meteoric rise to the top of the division.
It seems that being surrounded by elite athletes and coaching them has reignited Teixeira’s competitive spirit, awakening a newfound enthusiasm for making his return...
Teixeira On His Potential Comeback: 'I Keep Going After Challenges'
During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Teixeira disclosed his aspirations for a possible return to active competition, be it within the UFC or through another venture.
There’s nothing [booked], but I’ll definitely go back to competition," Teixeira said. "I keep going after challenges. It’s hard to stay [training] with no reason why, so I’ll definitely do something. I want to compete. I’ll do some jiu-jitsu, I wanna do… I don’t know, maybe boxing. Or even go back for some fights in the UFC. That’s got to be it because it’s hard, man. I’m feeling great, fighting hard with the guys in the gym. I’ve rolled with some wrestlers, training with Sean Strickland and 'Poatan.'
The former UFC light heavyweight champion further shared that it has been Pereira encouraging him to consider a comeback to the sport.
I was doing some light sparring with 'Poatan' the other day, and he's like, 'F**k, Glover, you have to come back!' I’m training well, and I’m feeling good. I love this. I’m not saying I want to fight, but I want to compete. If it’s jiu-jitsu, Lovato, or guys like that, I wanna do some matches, that’s for sure.
Teixeira made his UFC debut in May 2012 and experienced a career filled with significant highs and lows. After an impressive five-fight win streak from 2019 to 2020, he captured the UFC light heavyweight title by defeating Jan Błachowicz at UFC 267 in October 2021.
Teixeira currently holds a professional record of 33-9, with 18 of those victories coming by way of knockout and 10 secured through submissions.