Glover Teixeira chokes Ovince Saint Preux out cold in third

VIDEO: Glover Teixeira highlights of his Awesome Career

Onetime title challenger Glover Teixeira weathered an early storm from Ovince Saint Preux and took control on the mat to secure a submission.

The light heavyweight bout was the main event of today’s UFC Fight Night 73 event at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. It aired on FOX Sports 1 following prelims on FOX Sports 2 and UFC Fight Pass.

Teixeira (23-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC), ranked No. 8 in the NOS Energy Drink MMA light heavyweight rankings, secured a rear-naked choke and put No. 9 Saint Preux (18-7 MMA, 6-2 UFC) to sleep at the 3:10 mark of round three, snapping a two-fight skid.

The Brazilian called out current champion Daniel Cormier in his post-fight speech.

“I’m back,” said Teixeira after a warm congratulations with Saint Preux in the cage. “Cormier. I told you before, I’m coming for you. I’m on the right track.”

The light heavyweight bout was the main event of today’s UFC Fight Night 73 event at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. It aired on FOX Sports 1 following prelims on FOX Sports 2 and UFC Fight Pass.

Teixeira, 35, went for a takedown early, but couldn’t hold down the younger Saint Preux, who retorted with a body kick and flurry of punches that put him in trouble.

“He hurt me with the liver shot and I had to take him down,” Teixeira said.

Saint Preux, 32, showed more flashes of promise while on his feet, but labored as Teixeira continued to pressure. Although able to escape to his feet, the former Tennessee Volunteer, a knockout winner in his past two fights, was sloppy while trying to do damage with his fists and allowed Teixeira to repeatedly take him down.

On the mat, Teixeira was easily able to gain mount and rain down strikes on Saint Preux. On several occasions, he was unable to secure position for long enough to earn a stoppage or a submission. But in the third frame, he seized upon Saint Preux’s transition from his back to his knees and locked his hands in place for a choke.

Saint Preux fought the hold briefly before eventually losing consciousness.

“I give Glover a hand, he did a great job tonight,” said Saint Preux, who’s parents were watching in the audience. “I swear to god I’ll be back better than ever. I’m still in the hunt – I promise.”

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 73, check out the UFC Events section of the site.