The UFC Hamburg co-main event occurred in the light heavyweight division, where former title challenger Glover Teixeira looked to extend his streak to two-straight against Corey Anderson, who replaced the injured Ilir Latifi on short-notice.
As expected, the wrestler Anderson sought to ground the knockout puncher Teixeira early in this fight. The American was able to succeed on a number of takedowns in the first round, though Teixeira was able to return to his feet each time. Anderson’s final takedown of the round nearly ended in disaster, as he dove in into a deep guillotine choke, and might not have survived had the round not ended.
BIG uppercut from @CoreyA_MMA connects on Teixeira in round 1! #UFCHamburg pic.twitter.com/JFdWE3O1JV
— UFC (@ufc) July 22, 2018
That was tight but @CoreyA_MMA and @GloverTeixeira make it into the second round at #UFCHamburg! pic.twitter.com/8gHvJLghpz
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) July 22, 2018
In round two, Anderson once again worked with his wrestling and succeeded on a takedown. Yet once again, Teixeira escaped to his feet, forcing another period on the feet. In this phased of the game — in which Teixeira was expected to have big advantage — Anderson actually managed to wobble his foe. He the then followed up with another takedown, climbed into top position and then onto his foe’s back. Eventually, Teixeira escaped to his feet again — though this only allowed Anderson to land yet another takedown, and ride out the round on top.
The story was more or less the same in the third round, as Anderson continued to pursue the takedown, and in a somewhat surprising twist, outbox Teixeira on the feet. The American even managed to crack his accomplished foe with a spinning back elbow as the round neared its conclusion.
After three rounds, all three judges scored the contest for Anderson. This win, which is undoubtedly the biggest of his career thus far, moves him to 11-4. Glover Teixeira, meanwhile, is 27-7.
Anderson gets the biggest win of his career! @CoreyA_MMA gets it done! #UFCHamburg pic.twitter.com/LsEc5O45zA
— UFC (@ufc) July 22, 2018
Official result: Corey Anderson def. Glover Teixeira via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 7/22/2018.