Jamahal Hill is set to take on Glover Teixeira for the vacant light-heavyweight championship this weekend in UFC’s return to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in what promises to be an exciting UFC PPV.
Glover Teixeira was initially scheduled to take on Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 282 in December, however, the fight was pulled off after Prochazka withdrew from the fight owing to a serious shoulder injury. Teixeira was offered to take on Magomed Ankalaev, however, the Brazilian fighter expressed he needed more time to prepare for the Dagestani fighter. Instead, he offered to fight Ankalaev in January, in Brazil. The request was declined by the UFC.
Next Saturday!
We’re counting down to Glover Teixeira vs Jamahal Hill at #UFC283! pic.twitter.com/cMsWYzQcLY
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 15, 2023
Instead, Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev faced each other for the light-heavyweight title at UFC 282. In what was a back-and-forth fight, the contest ended in a draw, leaving the light-heavyweight title vacant once again. Dana White did not take much time to come to a decision in announcing Glover Teixeira vs Jamahal Hill for the UFC gold.
Glover Teixeira can only wrestle, believes Jamahal Hill’s coach
In a recent episode of UFC 283 Embedded, Jamahal Hill’s head coach Chad Pomeroy reflected on Hill’s preparation for the title fight. “Working on takedown defense, our goal is to be able to nullify, you know, Glover‘s attempt to close the distance on us.” He said.
Chad Pomeroy attributed Glover’s fighting style as one-dimension. “Glover is kind of a one-dimensional fighter in a way. He’s got power and we know that, but he’s not going to have what Jamahal has when it comes to stand-up. So he’s gonna get tagged, he’s gonna get tagged a few times and he’s gonna resort right back to what he’s good at, and that’s ground.” He further added.
While it comes across as a bit of an insult to a fighter of the caliber of Glover Teixeira to be called, “one-dimensional,” Granted, Glover Teixeira relies heavily on his wrestling pedigree to dominate his opponents, and rightfully so. He is so damn good at it! However, one cannot presume Texiera cannot strike. Having faced some of the finest strikers in the light-heavyweight division, Teixeira is not your desperate wrestler, trying to get the fight to the ground but is willing to engage if that’s what it takes.
Coming in hot – it’s Episode 1 of #UFC283 Embedded!
— UFC (@ufc) January 17, 2023
While it remains to be seen how he performs at UFC 283 against Jamahal Hill, and while it’s safe to say he will look to nullify Hill’s striking with his grappling, the idea of being “one dimensional” can be attributed to the American fighter as well.