John Teixeira Says UFC Departure Was For the Best

John Teixeira spoke with MMAjunkie about his fight with Gleristone Santos at Bellator 143. Check out the highlights:

On his growth as a fighter: “After moving to Rio and joining Nova Uniao, I’ve been growing as a fighter with each bout. I’m in Bellator, on a two-fight win streak, and I’m looking for my third victory. Gleristone is very tough and technical, but we’re working on beating him. The plan is to keep on winning until I get a shot at the championship belt.”

On his loss to Hugo Viana in the UFC: “Had I won that fight, maybe I would have never moved to Rio to improve my skills. ‘TUF: Brazil’ was a great experience for me. I had barely ever traveled away from my hometown before that. … I became very well known after that first season. I learned that the technical level and support structure outside my hometown were far better. … After that show, my life is much better regarding finances. It’s been easier to find sponsors. It allows me to train full-time in Rio without too much worry.”

On his fighg with Santos: “I’m an MMA fighter, and an employee of Bellator. Whoever they choose for me, I’ll face. Without a doubt, he also follows my career. I know he’ll give his best effort against me. He hasn’t lost since 2011. I haven’t lost since 2012. But that doesn’t impress me. He’ll be just another victory on my record. We’ve been working hard to get a win, no matter if it’s by submission, knockout or decision. I’ll showcase the work I’ve been putting in. … We’re ramping up training so everything will take place as planned. We’re putting our strategy and three months of training into practice.”