Glover Teixeira, a former UFC light heavyweight champion who retired in January 2023, is considering a return to competition, possibly in jiu-jitsu, boxing, or even the UFC, inspired by training with top athletes like Alex Pereira.
Almost a year after saying he’d stay retired despite feeling the itch to fight again, Glover Teixeira is now leaving the door open for a potential return to the octagon. The former UFC light heavyweight champion shared with MMA Fighting in November 2023 that he felt “very comfortable where I’m at right now” as an MMA coach and retired fighter. Yet, being around top-tier athletes and training alongside UFC champion Alex Pereira daily has reignited his competitive spirit.
“There’s nothing [booked], but I’ll definitely go back to competition,” Teixeira said in an interview with MMA Fighting. He emphasized the importance of having goals, adding, “I keep going after challenges. It’s hard to stay [training] with no reason why, so I’ll definitely do something. I want to compete.” His desire for competition seems almost palpable.
Teixeira hung up his gloves in January 2023 after consecutive UFC title fight losses to Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill. However, he stepped onto the grappling mat once more in June 2023, securing a win against Anthony Smith. Earlier this year, there were talks of him facing Rafael Lovato Jr. at a UFC Fight Pass Invitational grappling show, but those plans didn’t pan out.
Teixeira played a pivotal role in three of Pereira’s training camps this year, contributing to successful title defenses against Hill, Prochazka, and recently Khalil Rountree at UFC 307. As he approaches his 45th birthday, the Brazilian veteran remains open to offers across various sports — even considering a return to the UFC.
“I’ll do some jiu-jitsu, I wanna do… I don’t know, maybe boxing. Or even go back for some fights in the UFC,” Teixeira mused. He described feeling great and motivated by sparring sessions with peers like Sean Strickland and ‘Poatan’. In fact, during a recent light sparring session with ‘Poatan’, he was encouraged to make a comeback: “F*ck, Glover, you have to come back!”
Training is going well for him; he’s feeling good and loves the sport. While not explicitly stating he wants to fight again, Teixeira made it clear that he wants to compete — whether it’s in jiu-jitsu matches or against opponents like Lovato.
Over his career spanning from 2002 to 2023, Teixeira fought professionally 42 times, compiling a record of 33-9. His notable UFC victories include wins over Jan Blachowicz, Rashad Evans, Ryan Bader, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Anthony Smith, and Jared Cannonier. Though he fell short in his first UFC title attempt against Jon Jones in 2014, he eventually captured gold seven years later at age 42 — becoming the oldest first-time champion in the promotion’s history.