Teixeira (photo via UFC.com)

By Kelsey Mowatt

Not only is Glover Teixeira gunning for his 20th consecutive victory today at UFC Fight Night 28 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, but it’s widely believed that if he defeats Ryan Bader, the light-heavyweight will be awarded a title shot. Since Teixeira arrived in the UFC last May, the 33 year-old has continued to demonstrate why he’s been so highly touted for so long, by scoring wins over Kyle Kingsbury, Fabio Maldonado, James Te Huna and former champ “Rampage” Jackson. In other words, if the 21-2 fighter is ‘overhyped’, there’s been no indication of it thus far.

Just ask Teixeira’s wrestling coach with American Top Team, Nathan Coy, who says the Brazilian’s abilities, as well as his work ethic, are off the charts.

“Glover’s another dude man, he’s a great dude too, and he’s tough, he wants to get in there and go eight, nine rounds, ten rounds and afterwards he’s just smiling,” Coy said on a recent episode of Full Contact Fighter Radio. “He’s serious when he’s in there doing his thing, but when he comes out, he’s a good dude. I love having him in the gym.”

Glover Teixeira hitting "Rampage" Jackson (photo via Al Bello / ZUFFA / Getty Images)

“He’s going to go far,” Coy furthered about Teixeira, who is currently ranked #2 in the UFC light-heavyweight division. “There’s a lot of guys chasing this goal of being number one, you know, but it’s hard to determine with so many guys who’s going to do it. But there’s quite a few guys in our room who are capable of doing it and he’s definitely one of them.”

While Jon Jones is set to fight Alexander Gustafsson on September 21st, who has also impressed during his run with the UFC, many pundits believe Teixeira may pose more of a threat to the champion. Not only does Teixeira have proficient striking skills and stopping power, but he also has a dangerous, grappling game as well.

“The thing is that guy comes forward man and cuts the ring off,” said Coy, while discussing Teixeira’s diverse skill set. “He strikes really well, he’s hard to hit, and his takedowns are really good. He knows the timing; that’s the difference with wrestling and wrestling with MMA, it’s the timing of the shot. He does it perfect.”

“It’s because he strikes so well,” Coy furthered. “He understands the footwork and where he needs to be. He penetrates and shoots a good shot you know? He’s going to be really good. Anything can happen, but he has the right style to beat anybody at light-heavyweight, no question…I think really the best wrestling and boxing mixture in all of MMA, no doubt. He’s way ahead of everybody in that way.”

Of course, it will be interesting to see how Teixeira’s boxing and wrestling skills play out today versus Bader, who is a decorated wrestler with considerable KO power. The former TUF winner is a former All-American wrestler with Arizona State University, who has recorded stoppage wins over vets like Vinny Magalhaes, Keith Jardine and Jason Brilz under the UFC banner.

UFC FN 28 will be broadcast throughout the U.S. on FOX Sports 1 and on Sportsnet in Canada.