“I’m hungry to fight,” he said. “I’m going on 40 and I want to make the best of this year. I love the sport so much, but it depends on the body and how we’re doing in the fights, and how we’re doing with conditioning and injuries. I want to do the best that I can this year, and I don’t even know if I’m fighting next year. It depends on what comes this year. I’m hungry, I’m excited and I’m very happy with everything that’s going on. I think when you’re happy and positive, it makes you do things better.”
Teixeira has always been a glass half-full guy, even when those around him found it hard to stay optimistic. It wasn’t too long ago that Teixeira was on the outside looking in when it came to the UFC due to visa issues. Everyone who saw him knew that he was one of the best 205-pounders on the planet, but he wasn’t getting the chance to prove it. He admits that there were some difficult moments back then, but he still tried to put a positive spin on everything going on.
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“You never know what’s gonna happen in your life,” he said. “There was a point, of course, that you get down, but I’m a very positive guy. There was a time where I said, ‘Am I ever gonna fight in the UFC and reach my goal and get my dream to fight on the biggest stage?’ At the same time, I said I’ve got to keep grinding and keep positive and keep doing my work and good things will happen. And I did it.”
In 2012, he got his shot in the UFC, and he’s been among the best in the sport ever since. Along the way, he’s fought the likes of Jon Jones, “Rampage” Jackson, Ryan Bader, Phil Davis, Rashad Evans, Anthony Johnson and Alexander Gustafsson, and while he’s won some and lost some, he has no regrets.
“I had the chance to fight with Jon Jones,” said Teixeira, describing the light heavyweight champ as one of the best to put on the gloves. “I didn’t get the victory, but I had my chance.”
