UFC 160: 5 Fights for Glover Teixeira to Take Next

Thankfully for Glover Teixeira, UFC fighters don't get paid by the minute. On Saturday night, the Brazilian behemoth choked out surging light heavyweight James Te Huna and needed less than three minutes to do so.

Many pegged Teixeira as a future challenger to Jon Jones and the UFC championship after his sophomore appearance inside the Octagon. With his dominance on Saturday night and an 18-fight win streak on his side, it's hard to bet against that school of thinking.

However, Jones currently has a pair of potential contenders on his plate, so Glover will have to stay busy while waiting for his opportunity to come.

Here is a look at five potential fights for Glover Teixeira to take next.  

Rashad Evans/Dan Henderson Winner

The biggest argument against Glover Teixeira stepping into the title picture lies in the fact that his biggest win came against Quinton Jackson in a bout that took place well after the physical prime of "Rampage." An easy way to test what the big man is capable of is by placing him against one of the most respected names in the business.

Former light heavyweight champions Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson are two of the biggest stars to ever compete at 205 pounds. They are scheduled to duke it out in the main event of UFC 161 in less than three weeks.

To be the man, you've got to beat the man. Considering that both Evans and Henderson are considered to be perennial title contenders, this fight could solidify Teixeira's place as the man atop the totem pole. 

Ryan Bader

When Glover Teixeira stepped into the cage at UFC 160, he was supposed to meet Ryan Bader. However, an injury to "Darth" pulled the TUF winner from the bout.

Bader is coming off a lightning-fast submission win over Vladimir Matyushenko back in January. It broke the official record for fastest light heavyweight submission in UFC history and reminded fans why Bader is one of the hottest prospects in the division.

Alexander Gustafsson

Some people claim that Alexander Gustafsson should be the top contender at 205 pounds. To me, that is an absolute farce.

Without wins over a high-level wrestler, there is no reason to suspect that the Swede is ready for champion Jon Jones, and it is highly suspicious that "The Mauler" is the No. 2 contender without the presence of a victory against a Top-Five opponent anywhere on his resume.

Teixeira vs. Gustafsson is a matchup that forces Alex to prove whether or not he can handle a well-rounded member of the light heavyweight elite. 

Shogun Rua

If Glover is trying to get into a title scrap, this isn't the best route to take. Rua does not have any momentum currently on his side and hasn't won consecutive fights in more than three years. However, it is a slightly personal affair after Rua refused this fight last year.

This fight only makes sense if Rua defeats Lil Nog at UFC 161. Their co-main event fight is a rematch from 2005, where Rua picked up a unanimous decision victory.

Some would say that Teixeira should meet the winner of Shogun vs. Lil Nog. However, with close ties to Black House, Teixeira vs. Nogueira isn't an option.

Phil Davis

Phil Davis remains one of the top prospects currently competing at 205 pounds. The lengthy wrestler has a commendable grappling pedigree and has proven himself to be capable on the feet.

Currently, Davis is ranked as the No. 8 light heavyweight contender. In his biggest fight to date, he was outclassed by former champion Rashad Evans, but he does have an early UFC win over No. 2 contender Alexander Gustafsson to his credit.

That being said, does Mr. Wonderful have what it takes to combat the well-rounded skills of a monster like Teixeira? I don't know, but would gladly pay to find out.