Third time’s the charm?
Thiago Santos is now set to finally make his anticipated return to the octagon, when he takes on fellow Brazilian, Glover Teixeira.
This lightweight bout was originally booked for September just passed, then October, however Teixeira had tested positive for COVID-19. Weeks later Santos also tested positive. Thankfully both are now back in action, and it's scheduled to go ahead for November, in what could look like a five round bout.
The showdown will see the two former title contenders go up against one another, in an important bout that could potentially see one fighter start to climb the rungs back to the top.
The continued cancellations has pushed back Santos’ return to the Octagon for more than a year, spending the last twelve months focusing on rehabilitating from surgery, repairing a torn meniscus, ACL and MCL, all a casualty from his title challenge against Jon Jones. Despite the injuries sustained, Santos earnt the respect of many, going the distance with Jones losing by split decision.
Teixeira is on a resurgence, ticking off four straight wins, including a beat down of Anthony Smith in the last UFC outing, prior to this the consecutive wins came over Karl Roberson, Ion Cutelaba and Nikita Krylov. Undoubtedly he looks to o make it his fifth victory, and get closer to the championship belt.
Both men have come up short in attempts against the king of the lightweight category, Jon Jones, and both are wanting to take another shot.
While Santos has been lobbying for a shot at the belt against Dominick Reyes for the division title after Jones vowed to vacate his belt, he’ll need to get through Teixeira first before he looks any further up the hill.
Who’ll walk away the winner and work their way into a light heavyweight title fight?
Watch all the action at the Official Home of UFC, live and free.
MAIN CARD
Light Heavyweight Bout
Thiago Santos vs Glover Teixeira
UNDER CARD
To be announced.