UFC 267 LIVE: Blachowicz vs Teixeira fight result plus Khamzat Chimaev reaction tonight
Re-live all the action from ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi, where two titles were on the line
Glover Teixeira completed his fairytale run to the UFC light heavyweight title on Saturday night, submitting Jan Blachowicz in the main event of UFC 267 to become the second oldest champion in the company’s history.
Two days after turning 42, Teixeira finished Blachowicz with a neck crank in the second round, capping off an enthralling card on ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi. The Brazilian had previously challenged for the belt in 2014, when he was outpointed by Jon Jones, and his recent five-fight win streak seemed to represent a race against time to make one last run at the gold. And Teixeira produced a stunning display in the Etihad Arena to beat Blachowicz, the finish seeing the challenger take down the champion, before easing into mount position, taking his opponent’s back and flattening him out. From there, the Brazilian locked in a neck crank that forced Blachowicz to tap out immediately.
In the evening’s co-main event, Petr Yan outpointed Cory Sandhagen to win the interim bantamweight title, and elsewhere on the card, rising star Khamzat Chimaev returned after a 13-month absence to secure his fourth stoppage win from as many UFC outings. The Russian-born Swede, who had suffered badly from Covid-19 over the last year, submitted Li Jingliang in the first round of their contest, with the Chinaman passing out in a rear naked choke.
Re-live the UFC 267 main card and prelims below.
UFC 267 – Blachowicz vs Teixeira
Round 1
The pair are now in the middle of the canvas.
Blachowicz doing a decent job at neutralising his challenger, until Teixeira lands a slicing elbow!
More elbows from the Brazilian. Blachowicz manages to hold on again, though, and limit Teixeira’s output once more.
The challenger just pulls down on the back of Blachowicz’s head – a very tiring technique to endure.
A great first round for Teixeira!
UFC 267 – Blachowicz vs Teixeira
Round 1
Harsh leg kick from Blachowicz.
Teixeira backs him up to the fence and shoots for a takedown... and gets it!
Wow! Huge moment early the challenger early on...
UFC 267 – Blachowicz vs Teixeira
Here we go. The main event. Jan Blachowicz defends his light heavyweight title against Glover Teixeira.
This marks a second title defence for Poland’s Blachowicz, and a second career title shot for Teixeira.
You have to imagine it will be the Brazilian’s last, too, given he turned 42 this week. His previous (and unsuccessful) effort came against Jon Jones in 2014.
Thirty-eight-year-old Blachowicz (28-8) has 17 finishes as a pro – eight knockouts and nine submissions. The champion has won his last five bouts.
Teixeira (32-7) has also won his last five fights and has a remarkable 27 finishes to his name – 18 knockouts and nine submissions.
UFC 267 – Yan def. Sandhagen
A standing ovation for the beaten Sandhagen.
“He’s a hell of a fighter, man. He was better tonight. I have nothing else to say. I want to fight the best in the world, I’m grateful I got to do that tonight.”
Sandhagen gracious in defeat.
UFC 267 – Yan def. Sandhagen
Yan def. Sandhagen via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46).
Former undisputed bantamweight champion Yan is now interim title-holder!
UFC 267 – Yan vs Sandhagen
A terrific fight. The fans are on their feet. Indy Sport has it Yan 49-46 Sandhagen.
The UFC will crown its interim bantamweight champion in a few seconds.
UFC 267 – Yan vs Sandhagen
Round 5
Neither fighter is landing a lot, but Yan is the one pressuring.
Sandhagen stuffs a takedown attempt, but Yan immediately throws a straight punch as the American looks to move away.
Oh! Sandhagen is BLASTED with a head kick, but he shrugs!
UFC 267 – Yan vs Sandhagen
Round 4
Yan with two big left hands – a straight then a hook.
He lands a one-two from southpaw and a one-two from orthodox.
Sandhagen drives a double-leg takedown attempt and gets it! A cramble ensues and each man tries unsuccessfully for a leg lock.
They’re back on their feet and Yan is pouring strikes on. Another round for the Russian, as Indy Sport has it.
Round 3
Oh! Yan drops Sandhagen with a spinning back fist and follow-up punch!
The pair are scrambling on the mat! Sandhagen survives a rear naked choke attempt!
What a round. Sandhagen was ahead until he got dropped!
Yan 10-9 Sandhagen for Indy Sport.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies