UFC 160 ‘Velasquez vs. Silva 2’ Preview

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Light Heavyweights

Glover Teixeira (20-2, 3-0 UFC) vs. James Te Huna (16-5, 5-1 UFC)

The Matchup: Teixeira was initially booked to face Ryan Bader, but an injury suffered by the Power MMA Team representative allowed Te Huna a chance at his highest-profile bout to date. The Australia-based kiwi has reeled off four consecutive wins in the Octagon, besting Ricardo Romero, Aaron Rosa, Joey Beltran and Ryan Jimmo in succession.

None of the above fighters is at the level of Teixeira, however, and Te Huna will have to start much more quickly than he did at UFC on Fuel TV 7, where a Jimmo head kick had him fighting for survival for the majority of the opening round.

Teixeira has won 18 straight fights -- three in the UFC -- and earned the signature triumph of his career against Quinton Jackson at UFC on Fox 6 in January. The 33-year-old Brazilian attacks with power punches on the feet -- his left hook is especially dangerous -- and understands how to deliver strikes at various levels. Teixeira is also a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, and his ground game that could ultimately give Te Huna the most trouble.

Te Huna’s lone Octagon defeat came via a rear-naked choke from Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 127; the Pirtek Athletic Allstars representative is much more comfortable working ground-and-pound from top position than he is defending from his back. Teixeira, who averages more than four takedowns per 15 minutes, can unload with heavy punches and elbows from above while looking to advance position. Absorbing a barrage of strikes will take its toll, and Te Huna will become increasingly vulnerable to submission attempts as the fight progresses.

A stand-up brawl does not necessarily favor Te Huna, but it does give him a better chance to win. The powerful Te Huna must utilize effective defensive wrestling to keep the fight upright, but even then, he could struggle to match the accuracy and volume of Teixeira, who tends to be overwhelming while targeting both the head and body with hooks and uppercuts.

The Pick: Expect some powerful exchanges in the center of the cage, with Teixeira gradually getting the best of his foe before sealing the deal with his ground game. The Brazilian wins via submission in round one or two.

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