Glover Teixeira Plans Extended Boxing Run Post-Shogun Rua Clash, Jokingly Targets 'Easier' Influencer Bouts

SAO PAULO, Brazil – Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight Champion Glover Teixeira has signaled his intention to continue competing in combat sports beyond his upcoming boxing match against fellow former UFC titleholder Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. The highly anticipated eight-round bout, headlining Spaten Fight Night 3 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on August 29, marks Teixeira’s return from a brief mixed martial arts (MMA) retirement, but unlike Rua, who confirmed his full retirement after the contest, Teixeira views this as a potential new chapter.

Teixeira, who will turn 47 two months after the August 29 event, clarified his perspective during the pre-fight press conference. "I don’t think I’m going to have a [long] career after this, but I say it’s not my last fight because who knows?" Teixeira stated, emphasizing that while he isn’t looking to build a career comparable to his MMA tenure, he remains open to future opportunities. "I’ll leave that to the younger guys. But it’s not my last fight." This stance directly contrasts with Rua’s earlier announcement to MMA Fighting, confirming his decision to "lay down the gloves" permanently following the exhibition.

The veteran fighter, known for his relentless pressure and powerful striking, joked about the nature of his potential future opponents. Drawing parallels to the recent trend of celebrity and influencer boxing, particularly in Brazil, Teixeira quipped about seeking "easier" matches. "Who knows, maybe I’ll fight one of these influencers, like ‘Popó’ [did], an easier fight," Teixeira said with a laugh, referencing Brazilian boxing legend Acelino "Popó" Freitas, who has successfully transitioned into high-profile exhibition bouts against internet personalities. Teixeira specifically mentioned Kleber "Bambam," a well-known Brazilian reality TV personality and influencer, as a hypothetical opponent for a less demanding contest. "They put me against Shogun, come on. They can put me against [Kleber] ‘Bambam,’ easier match-ups," he added playfully. "Maybe next time, but right now I’m focused on Shogun and showing what I can do."

The August 29 clash represents a long-awaited confrontation between two titans of the light heavyweight division. Teixeira and Rua, both revered for their aggressive, fan-friendly styles, were close to fighting during their respective UFC careers, but the matchup never materialized within the Octagon. Teixeira, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with formidable wrestling, admitted his previous game plan for Rua always involved grappling. "I always imagined fighting Shogun thinking about taking him down," he explained. "’I’m going to have to get out of the knee and take him down.’" However, the transition to boxing fundamentally alters the dynamics of their encounter. "But now they’ve taken away my wrestling, while also taking away his knees and kicks," Teixeira noted, highlighting the pure striking nature of their upcoming bout. "If he kicks me, I’m going to take him down [laughs]. But we’re going to try to do this with our hands only."

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Teixeira spoke with deep respect and admiration for Rua, reflecting on their shared history in combat sports. "I’m a fan of this guy," Teixeira affirmed. "I watched him in PRIDE when I was just starting my fights." He revealed a personal dream list of opponents from the legendary Japanese promotion: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, and Ricardo Arona. Having already faced and defeated "Rampage" Jackson via unanimous decision at UFC on Fox 6 in January 2013, the opportunity to finally face Rua holds significant personal meaning for Teixeira.

Both fighters are renowned for their knockout power and relentless pursuit of finishes. "Aggression is something neither of us lacks when we step into the ring," Teixeira stated. "We always go in there looking for the knockout." He drew parallels between their careers, citing Rua’s epic "Fight of the Year" against Dan Henderson at UFC 139 in November 2011, and his own critically acclaimed "Fight of the Year" against Jiří Procházka at UFC 275 in June 2022. "Hopefully we put on a good fight," Teixeira said, before adding a humorous caveat, "I don’t want it to be the fight of the year because that means way too much violence [laughs]. Hopefully Shogun gets tired quickly and quits [laughs]."

The parallels between Teixeira and Rua extend to their recent UFC retirements. Both veterans concluded their storied MMA careers on the same night, January 21, 2023, at UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro. Teixeira made his second attempt to reclaim the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, falling short against Jamahal Hill via unanimous decision. On the same card, Rua suffered a first-round technical knockout loss to Ihor Potieria, marking the end of his illustrious run. This shared exit from the sport’s premier organization adds a layer of narrative depth to their boxing encounter.

Despite the grandeur of fighting a fellow legend on live Brazilian television (Globo), Teixeira maintained that the bout holds no significant implications for his already established legacy. "The legacy has already been built," Teixeira asserted. "We became champions and retired on the same night. It’s a privilege to fight Shogun." He expressed confidence in both fighters’ intent to deliver an exciting performance. "I’m ready, and I hope he’s ready to put on an incredible fight for the fans on Globo. I know he’s going for the knockout, and I’m going for the knockout."

Teixeira highlighted the potential for a definitive finish, noting their natural power and the current weight class. "We’re two dangerous guys with heavy hands, and we’re fighting at heavyweight now, so this fight definitely has everything it needs to end by knockout." He reiterated that his motivation for this fight transcends career advancement. "At this point, [legacy] doesn’t really matter much to me, you know? I’m not here to make a name for myself anymore. It’s simply a privilege to be fighting here on Globo, to be boxing like I’ve always wanted to do, and doing it against a guy like Shogun."

Glover Teixeira (professional MMA record: 33-9) captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 267 in October 2021 by submitting Jan Błachowicz, becoming one of the oldest champions in UFC history at 42 years old. He defended the title once against Jiří Procházka in a "Fight of the Year" performance before relinquishing it. Known for his powerful right hand and elite grappling, Teixeira’s career spanned over two decades, featuring victories over top contenders like Ryan Bader, Rashad Evans, and Anthony Smith.

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (professional MMA record: 27-14-1) is widely regarded as one of the greatest light heavyweights of all time. His career began in the legendary PRIDE Fighting Championships, where he won the 2005 PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix (at 205 lbs), defeating Quinton Jackson, Alistair Overeem, and Ricardo Arona in one of the most brutal tournaments in MMA history. He later went on to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 113 in May 2010 by knocking out Lyoto Machida, solidifying his status as a two-promoter champion. Rua’s career is marked by iconic fights against the likes of Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin, and two legendary wars with Dan Henderson.

As both former champions prepare to don boxing gloves in Sao Paulo, the event promises a nostalgic and potentially explosive encounter. While Rua prepares for his final bow, Teixeira hints at a surprising extension to his combat sports journey, potentially venturing into the burgeoning world of influencer boxing for "easier" challenges after facing a rival he has long admired.