Glover Teixeira was just seconds away from possibly retaining the UFC light heavyweight title by decision on Saturday in Singapore, but returns home without the gold after hitting a suffocator after the final round against Jiri Prochazka in UFC 275.
Following his loss, the 42-year-old posted a video on social media, speaking in his native Portuguese, to address lovelessness and make a promise to recover.
“They hit us a little bit there, but I gave my best in this fight,” Teixeira said. “But my hand went to my neck, I was very tired, and I don’t think I believed it [in the submission]. I should have turned around, but now it’s too late to cry over the spilled milk. He lives by the sword, he dies by the sword.
“I gave my best and it wasn’t enough, but let’s go for the next one. Thank you to everyone who has taken root for my support. I’m fine, just a few cuts, but let’s go. “
Teixeira’s first 41-game losing streak in MMA puts an end to a six-game winning streak that included victories over Jan Blachowicz, Thiago Santos and Anthony Smith. Prochazka, a former RIZIN champion, is now 3-0 with a trio of finals inside the octagon. The UFC has yet to announce who is next in line for the £ 205 throne.
See Teixeira’s statement after the fight below:
On Sunday, Teixeira also made sure to congratulate and thank Prochazka for an exciting main event via Instagram.