Phil Davis planning to fight Glover Teixeira since ‘Jon Jones won’t make it to title fight’
Phil Davis remains unbooked despite other marquee light heavyweights taking fights over the past few months.
Davis (12-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC), who this past August racked up a big win by outpointing ex-champ Lyoto Machida (19-4 MMA, 11-4 UFC), today told MMAjunkie Radio that UFC matchmakers are waiting for a few puzzle pieces to move in the division.
But personally, he’s convinced his next move is already set.
“I want to fight Glover Teixeira,†Davis said.
Why would Davis covet an opponent who’s already booked? What about Teixeira’s upcoming title shot against champ Jon Jones at UFC 172?
Well, Davis thinks Jones isn’t going to make it.
“I don’t wish him harm or wish he’s injured,†Davis said. “I just have this sneaky suspicion.â€
Now, why would Jones withdraw from a booking he’s thrice agreed to – for UFC 169, UFC 170, and UFC 171 – only to see the UFC push back the date to April 26 in Baltimore?
“I’m just going to tell you the short version,†Davis said. “Alexander Gustafsson put tips all over that boy. [Jones] doesn’t know up from down, left from right. So I really don’t see him wanting to get back in there with anybody – definitely not Alexander. I don’t even think he wants to get back in there with Glover Teixeira – bless his little heart.
“But look, I like [Teixeira]. He’s a cool cat, but this is what we do. I’m sure he doesn’t care. He’s willing to mix it up with anybody, too.â€
Jones (19-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) previously said he wasn’t thrilled with the UFC’s repeated scheduling difficulties, but said he was ready to move forward with his career against Teixeira (22-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC), who’s undefeated in the octagon and earned his title shot this past September with a knockout of Ryan Bader.
Also ready to go is Davis, who said he’s not encumbered by any nagging injuries.
“Healthy as a bumble bee,†he said. “I’m ready to get in there and do what I do. But there are weird things going on right now, and I’m not sure there’s a lot of guys that are ready to mix it up. I think the matchmakers are waiting for a couple of people, and when those guys become available, I’ll get matched up.â€
And even if his hunch is wrong, Davis said he’ll fight whomever the UFC puts in front of him.
“I will gladly step in and fight Glover, and for the second time, be the No. 1 contender, and hopefully, that will earn me a title shot,†he said. “But in the meantime, I’ll fight anybody. You name them, I’ll fight them.â€
