Chael Sonnen dismisses claims of Glover Teixeira being 'screwed' after giving up title shot
Chael Sonnen is dismissing the claims that Glover Teixeira isn't in a favorable position after giving up a title shot at UFC 282. He gave up his title shot after he was offered a vacant title fight against Magomed Ankalaev.
Sonnen uploaded a video to his YouTube channel where he discussed the light heavyweight title situation. Jiri Prochazka was forced to relinquish the title after sustaining a shoulder injury that will keep him out of action for at least a year. 'The American Gangster' mentioned that despite turning down the fight with Ankalaev, Glover Teixeira might not necessarily be 'screwed' out of a title shot, saying:
"I don't know that his (Glover Teixeira) next fight isn't for a the championship. Glover was supposed to fight Prochazka in a rematch. I don't know that in Glover's next fight it's not gonna be against Prochazka in a rematch...If keep him number-one contender and his next fight's for a belt, it seems like that's what he wants...I don't know where Glover got screwed."
The former UFC middleweight title challenger also noted that despite turning down Ankalaev, he did offer to fight him in January as he wanted more time to prepare. He mentioned that the former light heavyweight champion could be rewarded for being reasonable during the process:
"Glover (Teixeira) said, 'Yes' to that guy (Magomed Anlalaev) as well just not the same date...Now two-out-of-the-three I think that Glover was reasonable and generally when you are reasonable, could things happen to you particularly in this sport.
Despite being removed from the card because of the injury to 'Denisa' and turning down a short-notice title fight with Ankalaev, it will be interesting to see whether the promotion has any plans for Texeira at UFC 282. He could possibly have a faceoff with the winner of the main event as a way to generate interest and begin negotiations for the next fight.
Check out the full video (quote begins at 3:30):
Will the UFC attempt to reschedule Glover Teixeira vs. Jiri Prochazka 2?
After Jiri Porochazka's injury halted the scheduled rematch with Glover Teixeira, it will be interesting to see whether the UFC will try to reschedule the fight when the former light heavyweight champion is cleared to return.
Their main event at UFC 275 is sure to be a strong candidate for Fight of the Year, which saw 'Denisa' submit the Brazilian via rear-naked choke at 4:32 in the fifth-round. It was a very entertaining back-and-forth bout that saw both fighters have their moments to finish it, but Prochazka was the one that took advantage of his late opportunity.
Even if the bout isn't being contested for the light heavyweight championship, it could still be a strong addition to a pay-per-view main card when Prochazka returns.