John Teixeira vs. Hugo Viana: What We Learned from UFC 147

Hugo Viana and John Teixeira threw down on the FX preliminary card.

The smaller Viana started strong but became visibly tired as the fight drew on with the much larger Teixeira. But Hugo Wolverine continued to battle and took the split-decision victory in what was a close fight.

Both men put on a great fight, and this is what we learned.

What We'll Remember About This Fight

The biggest takeaway from this fight was being introduced to two young fighters, each of whom has a lot of promise.

Teixeira and Viana were both undefeated going in to the bout, and both showed potential for future success inside the Octagon.

Viana was noticeably smaller than his opponent, and that may suggest that we will see him drop to 135 pounds for his next fight. His non-stop-action style will fit in nicely with the other exciting bantamweights. 

Teixeira was not able to pull out the victory, but he still comes away with a wealth of knowledge after making his UFC debut.

Both men should see return trips to the Octagon, and they both deserve it.

What We Learned About John Teixeira

Teixeira can take a shot.

Viana landed several big punches during the bout, but Teixeira ate them and continued to exchange with the quick striker.

Teixeira also tired and was unable to use his larger frame to keep Viana on the mat, but he was still a young fighter making his UFC debut. His time in the TUF house will surely pay dividends as he progresses in his career, as we have seen with many others.

What We Learned About Hugo Viana

He never quits.

The smaller fighter never stopped throwing and defended takedown attempts well. Obviously affected by the size differential as the fight went deeper and deeper, he never let his fatigue stop him from moving forward. 

What's Next for John Teixeira

This was only Teixeira's first professional loss.

Next up for the featherweight should be another young 145-pound fighter, as he continues to mature as a mixed martial artist.

What's Next for Hugo Viana

A drop to bantamweight.