UFC 261 card: Anthony Smith vs Jimmy Crute full fight preview
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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight finishers Anthony Smith and Jimmy Crute will go to war this weekend (Sat., April 24, 2021) at UFC 261 inside Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
The 2020 fight season started off really, really poorly for “Lionheart.” His first match saw his teeth knocked out en route to a stoppage loss, and then Aleksandar Rakic pretty much manhandled him in his attempted rebound fight. Fortunately, Smith was able to recover in a step back in competition opposite Devin Clark, so hope is not yet lost. Meanwhile, Crute is one of Light Heavyweight’s most impressive prospects. The 25-year-old Australian is 4-1 inside the Octagon, and he’s finished each of his victories, earning a ranking in the process.
After defeating middleweight champion and rising star Israel Adesanya in March, UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz will look for the second defense of his title when he faces Glover Teixeira at UFC 266 on September 4th.
ESPN s Brett Okamoto first reported the news, adding no venue for the show has been decided upon.
The unheralded Blachowicz won the then-vacant title with a knockout win over Dominick Reyes last September before the superfight with Adesanya that saw him win a decision.
The 41-year-old Teixeira has had a career resurgence with five straight wins, starting in 2019. Three of those wins were by submission (Thiago Santos, Karl Roberson, Ion Cutelaba), one by TKO (Anthony Smith) and a decision over Nikita Krylov.
Jan Blachowicz vs Glover Teixeira Booked For UFC 266 On September 4 lowkickmma.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from lowkickmma.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Jan Blachowicz To Defend Light Heavyweight Title At UFC 266 Against Glover Teixeira
April 14, 2021
Jan Blachowicz will look to defend his light heavyweight title for the second time when he battles Glover Teixeira on September 4 at UFC 266.
UFC president, Dana White told ESPN the news, with the location and venue of the fight not announced as of yet.
Jan Blachowicz vs. Glover Teixeira was the fight to make after the Polish champ defended his belt last time out. The Brazilian is on a lengthy winning streak and at 41-years-old, this is likely Teixeira’s last title shot.
Blachowicz also said this is the fight he wanted after his UFC 259 win over Adesanya. He also believes he is much better than the challenger everywhere.
Image via @ufc on Instagram (photographer not listed)
UFC light heavyweight contender Glover Teixeira has issued a statement after his title fight with Jan Blachowicz was announced for UFC 266.
Hard work pays off I’m so happy and ready September 4 UFC light heavy weight champion
Hard work pays off I’m so happy and ready September 4 UFC light heavyweight champion
Teixeira is 41 years old but he’s still one of the best in the world at 205lbs. He has won his last five fights in a row, including a submission win over Thiago Santos in his last fight that earned him this title shot. Prior to that, Teixeira absolutely destroyed Anthony Smith via fifth-round TKO. Despite being one of the oldest fighters on the UFC roster, Teixeira is still one of the best in the world. He has proven time and time again that he is a very well-rounded fighter who has the skills necessary to defeat the best fighters in the world at 205.