UFC 153: Five Fights for Glover Teixeira to Take Next

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Highly-touted light-heavyweight prospect Glover Teixeira backed up the hype at UFC 153, finishing Fabio Maldonado at the end of the second round via doctor's stoppage.

The Brazilian has proven to be a well-rounded threat, showing great striking skills against Maldonado, whom he out struck 117 to 14.

Showing that he's a force to be reckoned with at 205, Teixeira definitely deserves a jump up in competition for his next bout.

Let's take a look at who might be up next for this rising MMA star.

Alexander Gustafsson

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Alexander Gustafsson, like Teixeira, has emerged as another rising prospect in the light-heavyweight division.

The surging Swede is set to take on Shogun Rua on FOX later this year, and win or lose, would still make for a great match-up against Teixeira.

A bout between these two prospects would be a great display of what the future has in store for the UFC.

Phil Davis

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Another light-heavyweight prospect looking to make a statement in the division, wrestling ace Phil Davis would be a great test for Teixeira.

Davis has superb wrestling and would really test the Brazilian in this area like he's never been tested before.

With both men coming off of big wins at UFC 153, this would be a fantastic contest of rising stars.

Brandon Vera

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If Teixeira wants to test the waters against bigger named opponents but still retain a bit of an edge, a bout with Brandon Vera could be the perfect fit for the Brazilian.

Vera is coming off a surprisingly good performance against Shogun and, despite taking the loss, showed that he's still a pretty dangerous opponent in the light-heavyweight division.

A fight between these two guys could make for a very entertaining battle at 205.

Rashad Evans

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But if Teixeira wants to test himself against a top five 205er, a date with Rashad Evans would be a better fit.

Evans hasn't fought since his failed title bid against Jon Jones at UFC 145 and would be a huge challenge for the rising Brazilian prospect.

However, he may have to wait in line as another former champ wants a crack at Teixeira first.

Rampage Jackson

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Teixeira was originally slated to face Rampage Jackson at UFC 153 until the former champ was forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury.

Following Teixeira's win, however, both men have expressed interest in rescheduling this bout with Rampage himself even asking UFC President Dana White for a chance to take on the Brazilian.

This would be a great match-up for Teixeira who stacks up well with the former champ.  If this fight does get another date, let's hope that injuries don't rear their ugly heads once again,

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