MMAOB staff writer Adam Martin takes a deeper look at the main event of UFC 267, a five-round title fight between UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira. The event takes place on Saturday, October 30 on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Jan Blachowicz (-280)
Blachowicz (28-8) is the UFC light heavyweight champion. The 38-year-old Pole has an overall record of 11-5 in the UFC with wins over the likes of Israel Adesanya, Dominick Reyes, Luke Rockhold, Corey Anderson, and Ronaldo Souza, to name a few. Blachowicz has always been known for his striking skills and KO power but he has added the element of surprise to his game in recent fights as he’s gone more towards his grappling when he has to. This addition of offensive wrestling to his game has truly turned him into one of the most well-rounded fighters at 205lbs. In Blachowicz’s last fight, he won a unanimous decision over Adesanya in a big upset. It was the type of career-best performance that has earned Blachowicz more respect from the sportsbooks and from the bettors. Going up against Teixeira at UFC 267, Blachowicz is now a big favorite to win.
Glover Teixeira (+240)
Teixeira (32-7) is the No. 1 contender in the UFC light heavyweight division. The 42-year-old Brazilian is 15-5 overall in the UFC with wins over the likes of Thiago Santos, Anthony Smith, Jared Cannonier, Misha Cirkunov, and Ryan Bader. Throughout his career, Teixeira has been one of the best grapplers in the UFC light heavyweight division. Many of his wins have come from him taking his opponents down and either submitting them or pounding them out. On the feet, Teixeira also has some power in his hands, though he is quite hittable and doesn’t have the best chin. That being said, he has looked great lately, and it will be interesting to see how he matches up with Blachowicz.
Fight Breakdown: I have been looking forward to this fight ever since it was first announced six months ago. I have a soft spot for older veterans in this sport who are able to still fight at a high level at an advanced age, so I have been just blown away by what Teixeira and Blachowicz have been doing these last few years. But while Teixeira has looked great by utilizing his grappling skills, Blachowicz is the one who has truly impressed me because he has evolved his game. He is no longer just a striker, now he can wrestle too, and that should prove to be the difference in this fight. If you asked me who would have won this fight five years ago, I would have picked Teixeira without hesitation. But in 2021, Blachowicz is the more well-rounded fighter because he has added grappling to his game. And on the feet, he’s the cleaner striker with more power. Teixeira has proven to be quite durable lately, but Blachowicz has the power to put him away. Either Blachowicz knocks Teixeira out or he wins the fight by decision, but I feel very confident that he will defend his belt.
Prediction: Jan Blachowicz
