UFC Fight Night 77: Glover Teixeira treating Patrick Cummins tilt like 'title fight' and wants to 'test' his chin

There are many things that are out of a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters' control, like the reinstatement of former pound-for-pound star and 205-pound king Jon Jones to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Many expect "Bones," who's been picking a fight with current light heavyweight champion and rival Daniel Cormier on social media, to be granted an immediate title shot versus "DC," leaving men like Ryan Bader and No. 4-ranked Glover Teixeira on the outside looking in.

Teixeira fought Jones at the UFC 172 pay-per-view (PPV) in April 2014 and lost via unanimous decision. Since then, the Brazilian bomber tallied a 1-1 Octagon record, with his most recent victory coming over a dangerous striker in Ovince Saint Preux last August.

The 36-year-old continues his climb up the 205-pound rankings when he faces off with up-and-coming contender Patrick Cummins at UFC Fight Night 77 inside Ginásio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Sat., Nov. 7, 2015

What he expects is a gritty tussle, with the hard-nosed collegiate wrestler from Penn State University (via MMA Fighting).

"I fought better competition, but that doesn't matter. I have to see this fight as it was a title fight, and that's why I'm training for five rounds. I can't underestimate his hands. I have to train hard for everything, but I think he will try to take me down. I'm going to test his chin, but I won't talk about it now. I have to see it to believe it. I'll answer this question after the fight [laughs]. He's fought some tough guys."

"Durkin," 34, has shown impeccable improvement since his Octagon debut in Feb. 2014, which was a loss to Cormier. Over the last 20 months, Cummins has overwhelmed and stifled the offensive arsenal of fighters like former Strikeforce champion Rafael Cavalcante and Antonio Carlos Junior.

Sandwiched in between his last four UFC wins is a first-round beat down at the hands of "OSP" back in April.

Strikers have proved to be the kryptonite for Cummins, who is set to tangle with Teixeira, a man known for power in his hands. The American Top Team Danbury representative is the owner of 13 career knockouts.

Time to see if the American really has what it takes to hang with the heavy hitters of the 205-pound class.

For more on the upcoming UFC Fight Night 77: 'Belfort vs. Henderson 3' card, click here.