Glover Teixeira is hoping to fight the winner of Cormier-Jones with a win over Alexander Gustafsson on Sunday.
Forget Jimi Manuwa, MMA veteran Glover Teixeira thinks he should be next in line for a light heavyweight title shot with a win over Alexander Gustafsson at UFC Fight Night 109 this weekend.
The former title challenger lost to Jon Jones via unanimous decision in 2014 but believes he has almost earned enough ammunition to fight the winner of the championship rematch between Jones and Daniel Cormier at UFC 214.
Speaking to Damon Martin of FOX Sports, Teixeira spoke of his desire to challenge for the title again.
“I think this is a fight that’s going to line up for the title shot,” Teixeira said. “Jones is going to fight Cormier. They already fought once so I doubt they are going to have a rematch, whoever wins that fight. Even if Cormier wins, I don’t know if they’re going to have a rematch right away because they take a long time to fight.
“Today, I’m just worried about Gustafsson, but I think the winner of this fight is going to be the next in line for the title.”
The heavy-handed Brazilian lost via 13-second KO to the now-retired Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson last year but rebounded with a decision win against Jared Cannonier at UFC 208.
Teixeira's pressure boxing, knockout power and slick submission game makes him one of the most well-rounded fighters in the light heavyweight division and the 37-year-old believes he has what it takes to finish Gustafsson in his hometown of Stockholm, Sweden.
“I’m definitely going to test him. I’m coming in for a fight and I’ve got to be smart but I’m the kind of guy that’s going to put the pressure on and try to finish this fight,” Teixeira said. “I don’t want this fight to go to decision. I know Alex is a strong dude, he’s tough and he goes into deep water and I’m ready for that. But my goal is to finish him.
“I’m very confident that I can finish him.”
UFC Fight Night 109, which features Gustafsson vs. Teixeira in the main event, takes place this Sunday, May 28, at Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden.