It didn't take long for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight contender Glover Teixeira to solidify his position in line for a title shot by knocking out Rashad Evans in the first round tonight (Sat., April 16, 2016) at UFC on FOX 19.
Prior to the finish, Evans was doing what he was supposed to be doing. He was circling away from the Brazilian, keeping his distance, and trying to gauge potential offensive openings. But as one of the most heavy-handed strikers in the division, it only took one flush left hook from Teixeira to buckle "Suga."
The finish can be seen above (and below):
UNBELIEVABLE.@GloverTeixeira KO's Rashad Evans and becomes just the 2nd man to EVER finish him. #UFCTampa
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) April 17, 2016
https://t.co/uD2eltAuRt
With this victory, "Big Tex" moves right in line behind Jon Jones and Anthony Johnson for a shot at Light Heavyweight gold. And considering Jones will get the first crack at champion Daniel Cormier later this year if he's able to get past Ovince Saint Preux at UFC 197 on April 23, it's very possible that Teixeira may find himself taking on "Rumble" sooner than later.
As for Evans, this knockout defeat may very well spark retirement talks for the 36-year-old vet who is already coming off serious knee surgery
For complete UFC on FOX 19 results and analysis click here.