Glover Teixeira

By Michael Hatamoto

Did Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, a former PRIDE superstar and one-time UFC light heavyweight champion, duck Glover Teixeira in favor of fighting Brandon Vera?

Some MMA fans and writers believe he did, while others said there is no upside to a fight against UFC newbie Teixeira.

It was a question that Shogun once again was asked by reporters curious about what appears to be a rather lopsided fight matchup.

During the press conference, Shogun noted Vera is a fighter that is very well known and is a strong name in the division, while Teixeira has a long way to go before becoming a household name.

It’s true Teixeira isn’t well known among UFC fans, but trying to build up Vera as a legitimate contender is crazy.  Thankfully, this is the main event of a fight card available for free on TV, and could serve as a great reminder that Shogun is still a young fighter with a credible skill set.

I think Shogun is ducking Teixeira right now, and fighting Vera should provide a much easier payday.  Not only will he have a more winnable fight, Shogun also earns a light heavyweight title shot with a victory on Saturday night.

Instead, Teixeira is now scheduled to show Quinton “Rampage” Jackson the door before Rampage decides to move on to an uncertain future.

With all that said, if Shogun is in shape and fairly healthy, I expect him to pick up a TKO win by round two.