The first leg of the UFC’s back-to-back numbered shows is in the rearview as UFC 267 crowned two new champions.
The night was truly special. Glover Teixeira became the second-oldest fighter in UFC history to secure a championship at the age of 42 (behind Randy Couture). Taking place on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE., the main card delivered an epic string of fights at UFC 267. In addition to the main event between Jan Blachowicz and Teixeira, the co-main event featured interim bantamweight gold on the line.
Former 135-pound titleholder Petr Yan fought Cory Sandhagen in an action-packed thriller. While both 135-pound athletes had their moments during the fight, it was Yan who came alive in the later rounds to secure the strap. The five-round affair saw both men compete in a tactical chess match, and Yan even showed a few new wrinkles in his striking game. The now-interim bantamweight champion found success with a couple of spinning techniques and followed them up in the midst of a one-eighty.
A BW battle for the ages. Now, there is unfinished business to attend to 👊 #UFC267 pic.twitter.com/gW7O75rj3e
— UFC (@ufc) October 31, 2021
Following the co-main event interim title fight, Glover Teixeira defied Father Time and picked up UFC gold after more than nine years with the company. Despite Bruce Buffer being absent, the show went on. The light heavyweight title fight saw the two strike at the beginning of the first round and to the surprise of many, Teixeira handled himself quite well. In fact, while the two were exchanging wild hooks, the 42-year-old legend got at least one off before the fight ended up on the canvas.
UFC 267, of course, showcased the return of the indomitable Fight Island star, Khamzat Chimaev. The 27-year-old was tasked with facing the top-ranked Jingliang Li. Despite many believing Li would be, by far, Chimaev’s toughest opponent, the Chechen-Swede took him down and then submitted him in a single round.
Once again, Chimaev was the hottest topic of the weekend after dispatching an opponent without being touched. Unlike many rising stars before him, fans are still unsure of how high the ceiling of “Borz” truly is, but it’s obviously high. The rising UFC star expanded his unbeaten streak to ten, and all victories have come by way of finish.
On the main card, Alexander Volkov earned a unanimous decision victory against Marcin Tybura, who entered the contest on a five-fight winning streak. Also featured on the marquee pay-per-view was Khabib Nurmagomedov’s training partner, Islam Makhachev. The rising lightweight star made quick work of former title challenger Dan Hooker and did so with a nasty kimura submission in the opening round.
Fighters React To UFC 267: Błachowicz vs. Teixeira
Chimaev fights are always a dominating performance- this time though with only hand Controle and just one ☝️ hook on the fence he makes it look easy
— Dominick Cruz (@DominickCruz) October 30, 2021
What an awesome fight! Clear decision for Yan. Let’s do Yan vs Aljo ASAP and let’s do Sandhagen vs Suga Sean
— Funky (@Benaskren) October 30, 2021
Sandhagen vs Yan is an interesting fight because of the way both of them utilize stance switch so effectively to hide their fluent striking abilities.
I think the one who wins this fight is the one with the better defense,
also whoever controls the forward pressure the most.— Dominick Cruz (@DominickCruz) October 30, 2021
Going to teach him some proper manners https://t.co/U8jy4wqMtt
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) November 1, 2021
I did some Math … Does this make @CoreyA_MMA the best light heavy weight in the World now ???? Just asking
— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) October 30, 2021
Good to see Glover get it done!!
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) October 30, 2021
Khabib: I'm retiring.
Dagestan Fighters: We got you, fam!#UFC267
— Din Thomas (@DinThomas) October 31, 2021
He’s got that Tom Brady blood
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 30, 2021
So happy for @gloverteixeira 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 #UFC267
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) October 30, 2021
Absolute beasts!! Well done lads 👏#UFC267
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) October 30, 2021
What was your favorite moment from UFC 267?
