Glover Teixeira vs. Ovince Saint Preux: What We Learned from UFC FN 73 Tilt

Saturday night in Nashville offered a little more than live country music and good barbecue.

Instead, the Music City was host to UFC Fight Night 73, headlined by light heavyweight contenders Glover Teixeira and Ovince Saint Preux.
Their matchup was billed as a collision between one of the more well-rounded 205-pound threats in mixed martial arts and arguably the most athletic fighter in the division.

As they're the No. 4- and No. 6-ranked light heavyweights in the UFC, this was an extremely important step for both fighters in their respective climbs toward a title shot in 2016. MMAFighting relayed this quote from Teixeira:

But it was the Brazilian's relentless pressure and sensational ground game that reigned supreme over OSP, winning in front of a hostile Tennessee crowd via third-round submission.
Here is what we learned from this truly one-sided light heavyweight tilt:


What We'll Remember About This Fight
Despite powerful shots landed on the feet, Saint Preux practically suffocated under Teixeira's pressure.
The Brazilian was near-perfect in his takedowns, cashing in when his opponent would throw leg kicks or willingly shoot himself.

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From there, OSP crumbled on the ground by Teixeira implementing sufficient ground-and-pound, powerful transitions and the effectiveness to lay on top of a superior athlete and drain his gas tank.
Saint Preux showed flashes of an evolved game, but he tired way too quickly. And when that happens, he tends to throw caution to the wind and abandon all technique.
Teixeira was simply sensational tonight in proving that his skills on the canvas, chin on the feet and mental tenacity are enough to work his way back toward a title shot.

What We Learned About Teixeira
First and foremost, we learned that the Brazilian is able to bounce back from two crushing defeats at the hands of former champion Jon Jones and former divisional contender Phil Davis.

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In this one, he took a page out of Ryan Bader's book by tying OSP up, securing double-leg takedowns by the bunches and pulverizing the younger and more athletic fighter.
It's a testament to the 35-year-old's world-class grappling, patience, game-planning and willingness to bypass his love for striking for a more tactical offensive approach.
Not to mention his chin withstood some serious shots from one of the more unorthodox and screwy strikers at 205.

What We Learned About Saint Preux
Much like fellow light heavyweight striker Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, OSP simply tires too easily.

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The majority of his finishes inside of the Octagon have come in the first round, suggesting that his conditioning and overall effectiveness take a dip in later frames.
This was never more evident than tonight, as he was picked apart by a stronger and more technical fighter in Teixeira—one who was truly conditioned and prepared to go all five rounds.
Saint Preux is relatively green to this sport, but as a former college football player at the University of Tennessee, the 32-year-old should know all about building cardio.

What's Next for Teixeira
There are not many matchups for the former top contender at this point.

 

But if the UFC truly wants to cash in on this grand opportunity to build up the Brazilian after just one impressive victory, it will opt to pin him against the winner of Rashad Evans vs. Ryan Bader at UFC 192 in October.
Whether it be Suga or Darth, the promotion would have no trouble billing the fight as a No. 1 contender's bout.
If Teixeira is not granted such a fight, then it's possible he'll take on the winner of Johnson vs. Jimi Manuwa at UFC 191.

What's Next for Saint Preux
Even after this crushing defeat, OSP still maintains a 6-2 UFC record with five finishes.

 

Not to mention he has already headlined two televised events in a rather short promotional career.
The ultra-athletic striker is more than capable of bouncing back from this hometown loss, as long as he works on his conditioning and wrestling defense.
Considering rematches opposite Mauricio "Shogun" Rua or Patrick Cummins are unlikely at this point, the UFC could give Saint Preux a try at resurgent Tom Lawlor or the winner of Jan Blachowicz vs. Corey Anderson at UFC 191.