UFC president Dana White did not attend the UFC 163 post-fight press conference, but his stand-in didn’t bat an eye when asked who might be getting next dibs at the light heavyweight title.
According to UFC managing director of international business Marshall Zelaznik, if Glover Teixeira (pictured) beats Ryan Bader at UFC Fight Night, he’ll earn next crack at the 205-pound title.
Teixeira will be riding a 19-fight winning streak into the September 4 shootout. The 33-year-old’s last four victories have come inside the Octagon.
Teixeira shouldn’t get too excited about Saturday’s announcement. White previously promised Lyoto Machida the top contender moniker after he put Bader to sleep last August, but he was subsequently leapfrogged by Chael Sonnen and Alexander Gustafsson.
Reigning light heavyweight champion Jon Jones defends his throne against Gustafsson at UFC 165. Jones had previously requested Teixeira as his next opponent should he retain his crown.
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