Glover Teixeira

By Michael Hatamoto

Mixed Martial Arts fans could be nearing MMA overload, with Bellator and the UFC ramping up events for the fall.

As part of UFC Fight Night Teixeira vs. Bader, which is live from Brazil on September 4, UFC light heavyweights Glover Teixeira and contender Ryan Bader battle it out.

When this fight is standing, expect Teixeira to use his solid foot work and accurate jab to keep Bader on the defensive. Just because Teixeira has the better boxing, I believe Bader has more power and could be more likely to finish the fight using his heavy hands.

Bader will have the clear wrestling and takedown advantage, but he’ll have to defend against Teixeira’s overlooked grappling ability. I don’t expect Bader to spend that much time sitting on top of Teixeira, and would be more interested in wearing him down.

After losing to Jon Jones and Tito Ortiz, Bader has beaten Jason Brilz and Quinton Jackson, was knocked out by Lyoto Machida, and rebounded by choking out Vladimir Matyushenko.

Since joining the UFC in 2012, Teixeira has beaten Kyle Kingsbury, Fabio Maldonado, Quinton Jackson, and James Te Huna. The Brazilian fighter is now ranked in the top 10 and a victory against Bader could help solidify recent calls for him to be given a top five opponent.

This will be a fun fight for fans, as it’s possible both fighters are going to want to stand and exchange punches. Teixeira should be able to land cleaner shots on a more frequent basis, but will need a continue build up punches – but Bader has the ability to land the haymaker out of nowhere.

I fully believe Bader is a tough, scrappy veteran that could overcome Teixeira, but I feel the Brazilian light heavyweight has simply too much to prove right now.