Glover Teixiera (photo via UFC / FOX Sports)

By FCF Staff

The consensus is that the winner of this Saturday’s bout between Glover Teixeira and Thiago Santos will secure a title shot. But, the perennial contender Teixeira says he’s solely focused on the task at hand: defeating Santos.

Teixeira and Santos will battle in the headliner of UFC Vegas 13,  which is taking place at the Apex Facility. Heading into the bout, Santos is ranked #1 in the UFC’s light heavyweight division and Teixeira is #3.

As a result, the expectation is that the winner could advance to challenge for the title, which is currently held by Jan Blachowicz. While talking about what’s on the line this Saturday, however, Teixeira recently said this (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I’m feeling great for being 40,” Teixeira said. “I’ve been told that I’m visibly healthier and more fit at 40 than I was at 37. Back then I was eating too much churrasco and drinking too much cachaca. Today I’m feeling great. People are noticing. My last fight was a great performance against Anthony Smith, who had been beating everyone up except for Jon Jones.

“I’m feeling very motivated. I’m focused on this fight against Thiago. It’s a fight that can propel me to the belt. But I’m not thinking about Jan Blachowicz. I’m 100 percent focused on Thiago ‘Marreta.’”

Teixeira (31-7) is riding a four-fight winning streak heading into UFC Veags 13, while Santos (21-7) hasn’t fought since last summer, when he lost via split decision to Jon Jones. The contender injured both of his knees in the fight.