UFC Fight Night 73 results recap: What's next fight for Glover Teixeira?

Glover Teixeira hadn't lost a fight in nearly eight years prior to being completely outclassed by Jon Jones in their title fight back at UFC 172. To make matters worse for the Brazilian, he faltered in his next bout as well, losing a dreadful decision to Phil Davis at UFC 179.

While most fighters would be battling for their UFC job following a two-fight losing streak, most pundits were fairly certain UFC brass wouldn't be cutting Teixeira if he had taken the fall against hometown favorite Ovince St. Preux last night (Sat., August 8th, 2015) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 73 from Nashville, Tennessee.

Even though his job wasn't necessarily at stake coming in, the former No. 1 contender needed to prove he still has a place among the best fighters in the Light Heavyweight division, and the Brazilian came up large on FOX Sports 1 from inside the Bridgestone Arena.

After weathering the early storm that saw "OSP" hurt Teixeira to the body with a liver kick in the first round, the Brazilian took control of the remainder of the fight with a brilliant game plan to take St. Preux down, and punish him on the mat with strikes before ultimately securing whatever submission became available.

After two and a half rounds of St. Preux sloppily giving up mount and his back with little resistance, Teixeira closed the show by putting "OSP" to sleep with a beautiful rear-naked choke in the third round.

Watch the highlights here.

Currently sitting at No. 4 in the 205-pound division rankings (see them here), Teixeira could be a viable option for another title shot with one more victory under his belt.

Calling out UFC champ Daniel Cormier in his post-fight interview with Jon Anik was certainly the first step.

With a major lack of contenders in the Light Heavyweight division, a one or two fight winning streak could be enough to earn a crack at UFC gold. In fact, two of the last three title challengers -- Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson -- received title shots coming off a loss.

Without Jon Jones sitting atop the throne, the division is truly as wide open as it has ever been.

The options for Teixeira's next fight include No. 10-ranked Patrick Cummins, taking on the winner of the Anthony Johnson vs Jimi Manuwa bout, or battling Rashad Evans if he takes out Ryan Bader.

With Cormier defending his title the same evening Evans make his long-awaited return at UFC 192, I would be shocked if the former Light Heavyweight kingpin didn't get a title shot against "DC" if he pulls out the victory over Bader.

With that being said, the most likely scenario for Teixeira would be a Cummins or Johnson bout next, but "Rumble" has a stiff test ahead of him in Manuwa to deal with first.

Although the 205-pound division lacks fresh contenders, there are still several intriguing fights to be made in the coming months.

The question is: Who is next for Glover Teixeira, and will it be a No. 1 contender fight?

For complete results from UFC Fight Night 73: "Teixeira vs. Saint Preux," including play-by-play updates, click here.