UFC Vegas 13 is back with another strong headliner. Thiago Santos and Glover Teixeira will fight to determine one of the next top contenders at light-heavyweight. In fact, the bout has some extra heat behind it, given recent circumstances at a press meeting. Coming as a bit of a surprise, Dana White announced Israel Adesanya would move up in weight and challenge Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight title. Either way, this type of movement increases the chance of an interim championship incoming. The UFC Vegas 13 main event preview will examine how the fight might play out given various factors.
Injury Against Age
When Santos lost to Jon Jones, he took serious damage. Jones dismantled Santos with leg kicks especially the oblique kick. After the five round bout ended, Santos was left with a torn ACL, MCL, PCL, and meniscus in his left knee. After a grueling road to walk again, Santos renews his hunt for the title.
In his way, the undeniable Teixeira, is coming in with an impressive four-fight win streak. After his most violent win over Anthony Smith, the promotion seemed agreed for the Brazilian to get a step-up. Now the offensive dynamo, Santos will face Teixeira. Especially dangerous early on, if Teixeira can weather the storm he can win this fight. Teixeira loves to box and brawl but also has an adept takedown game. In turn, the UFC Vegas 13 main event preview suggests the outcome of the fight could come down to Teixeira’s pressure.
UFC Vegas 13 Main Event Preview
Teixeira can use the takedown easier if Santos’s legs are still weakened, and control the fight via top pressure. But how can Santos stop this game plan? Generally, if the past has taught us anything, Santos is called the “Marreta” for a reason, he is hyper aggressive. Actually, his fight with Jimi Manuwa illustrated that perfectly. If Santos makes this nasty early, he could easily put Teixeira away. However, do we get the “Maretta” we used to get or a new Santos? Since Santos took the lay off it may take some time to get used to things inside the cage again. Further, aside from ground control, Santos has more weapons on the feet than the elder Teixeira. No matter what, fans are in for a war. Both athletes featured in the UFC main event preview understand the significance behind this headliner spot.
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