The UFC returns with their first pay-per-view of the year this weekend, as UFC 283: Teixeira vs Hill emanates from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The show will be headlined by home country hero Glover Teixeira as he looks to become a two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Standing in his way is Jamahal Hill, who he will face for the vacant championship.
The main event will finally settle the confusion that has plagued the 205lb division. Teixeira was initially supposed to face previous champion Jiri Prochazka for the title at UFC 282, in a rematch. When the titleist withdrew due to a shoulder injury, the Brazilian refused to meet Magomed Ankalaev on short notice for the vacant title. Instead, Ankalaev contested the championship with Jan Błachowicz. When that fight went to a draw, UFC pivoted to their original plan of having Teixeira challenge for the title.
Here’s everything you need to know about UFC’s visit to the Marvellous City.
Where: Jeunesse Arena, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: Saturday 21st January, (1am Sunday UK time)
How To Watch: BT Sport 1HD
Tale Of The Tape:
Teixeira:
Place Of Birth: Sobralia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Age: 43
Record: 33-8
Height: 6’2”
Reach: 76’’
Stance: Orthodox
Last Fight: Teixira lost his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship to Jiri Prochazka via fifth-round submission. Their scheduled rematch was then canceled due to an injury to Prochazka.
Hill:
Place Of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Age: 31
Alias: Sweet Dreams
Record: 11-1 (1NC)
Height: 6’4”
Reach: 79’’
Stance: Southpaw
Last Fight: Hill ground down Thiago Santos in four rounds for a TKO win in August. The Fight Night headliner won Fight of the Night honours.
Full Fight Card:
Main card
Glover Teixeira vs Jamahal Hill
Deiveson Figueiredo vs Brandon Moreno
Gilbert Burns vs Neil Magny
Lauren Murphy vs Jessica Andrade
Paul Craig vs Johnny Walker
Prelims
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs Ihor Potieria
Brad Tavares vs Gregory Rodrigues
Thiago Moises vs Guram Kutateladze
Shamil Abdurakhimov vs Jailton Almeida
Early prelims
Gabriel Bonfim vs Mounir Lazzez
Luan Lacerda vs Cody Stamann
Ismael Bonfim vs Terrance McKinney
Warlley Alves vs Nicolas Dalby
Betfred Odds
Teixeira: 11/10
Hill: 8/11
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
