The UFC 179 co-main event last night saw light heavyweight fighter Phil Davis assert himself with a win over previous title challenger Glover Teixeira. Teixeira, who was fighting at home and was coming off his first loss in 20 fights, was a heavy favorite at the books when the fight went down, so Davis paid off well as the underdog.
Davis was methodical in his win, knowing he had a winning formula by controlling Teixiera and getting the fight to the ground. Once it was apparent that Teixeira could not get off any offense with Davis blanketed on him, there was little incentive for Davis to take risks. Teixeira went for several ill-advised guillotine chokes, where he ceded the position to Davis, allowing the wrestler to play for the unanimous decision. In the end, all three judges saw the match 30-27 for “Mr Wonderful”.
For Teixeira, he has gone from a contender with a fearsome reputation and a 20-fight winning streak to being a guy who has lost two in a row. He was frustrated by the fight Davis put on him, but he wasn’t able to change the course of the fight and was resigned to his fate. Teixeira has always made the takedown hard, but once you get it established, he doesnt have an answer.
Davis is unlikely to have won too many Brazilian fans over with his workmanlike performance devoid of highlights. With wins over Teixeira, Lyoto Machida and Alexander Gustafsson on his resume, Davis is going to emerge in the discussion for a contender. He will have to keep working however, as Gustafsson has leap frogged him since they met and will likely be the next contender for the Light Heavyweight title. Should Cormier defeat Jon Jones in this coming fight for the champ, Davis will still be facing a long wait for a title shot.
Expect the UFC to re-instate suspended Anthony Johnson as well at some point when things arent so hot around his story, ánd Johnson also has a win over Davis on his list of accomplishments. Ryan Bader has also been rising as a contender and could be next for Davis as the logjam above him in the weight class sorts itself out.
Here is Phil’s post fight interview:
