Glover Teixeira is taking on Alexander Gustafsson in a clash of top 5 light heavyweights at UFC Fight Night 109.
Jimi Manuwa is another top 5 light heavyweight and \ has been demanding a shot at the UFC Light Heavyweight Title, one that Teixeira says Manuwa doesn’t deserve.
“Jimi Manuwa isn’t qualified to fight for the belt,” Teixeira told MMA Fighting. "He didn’t beat any top fighter yet. I think Jimi Manuwa has to beat a top fighter first before thinking about fighting for the belt, or maybe two or three top guys. Jimi Manuwa is down there, in my opinion.”
UFC President Dana White recently stated that if Jon Jones doesn't UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 214, then the shot will go to Manuwa.
Somebody that Teixeira and Manuwa both fought is the recently retired Anthony Johnson, it was a retirement that truly shocked the Brazilian.
"I was surprised with his decision,” Teixeira said. "Anthony Johnson still has a lot of miles left, but it’s his decision. Everyone does what’s best for them. You have to respect that. It was a mistake to try to wrestle Cormier. But nobody knows what was going on in there except for them. Maybe he hurt his hand, we don’t know."
UFC Fight Night 109 takes place on Sunday, May 28 from the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden with Alexander Gustafsson and Glover Teixeira headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which airs live on Fox Sports 1.
