UFC 283: Glover Teixeira Puts Down His Gloves but Not Before Reprimanding Brazilians for Brandon Moreno Act

On January 21, 2023, UFC 283, headlined by two title fights, took place at Jeunesse Arena, Rio, in Brazil. While the fight card offered a shot at history for the fighters under the card, two legends of the combat sports also hang their MMA gloves after Saturday night. The second of the two, Glover Teixeira, dropped his gloves in the middle of the Octagon as he delivered an emotional speech after his loss against Jamahal Hill, who captured the long-vacant light heavyweight title. While Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua‘s retirement was publically declared and the fans embraced themselves for the emotional farewell, the Brazilian fighter’s announcement came as a surprise to many. However, the former heavyweight champion also had a different message for the home crowd as he dropped down his gloves.

Notably, both fighters engaged in a back-and-forth fight where the American fighter scored a victory via unanimous decision as the fight went the distance.

Teixeira reprimanded the home crowd for their behavior at UFC 283

Earlier in the event, the audience booed and threw objects at Brandon Moreno, who claimed the title from another Brazilian,
Deiveson Figueiredo. Holding the home crowd liable, the 43-year-old cleared his stand to protect the new champion from another similar incident.

Thus, the submission grappler told in his post-fight Octagon interview, “I saw you were throwing popcorn and drinks at the last champion, I want you to respect him. He’s going to walk back with me.”

Following this, the BJJ ace heaped praise on ‘Sweet Dreams’ who look set to define the division now.

Texeira’s emotional speech announcing his retirement

Afterward, in the same interview with Daniel Cormier, the Connecticut resident admitted he was too tough for his own good. On numerous occasions in the fight, the UFC veteran looked on the verge of defeat, yet he went on fighting.

Following this, he added, “Too tough for my own health, you know. I can’t keep up anymore.” 

Further revealing his plans to keep his focus on his disciple, Alex Pereira, the 33-9 record holder, remained confident of ‘Poatan’ to keep his belt for a while. In addition, he revealed the plans for his fellow compatriot to move up to light heavyweight.

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Lastly, he concluded, “It’s an honor to put the gloves down on the same night as Shogun. I wish we were in The Voice Gracie area where you can just go no rounds and keep going in this. But you know we’re not and I just not keeping up anymore.”

Thus, the oldest champion in UFC history pulled down the curtains on his career with the same dignity he always fought.

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