Anthony Smith doesn’t see Glover Teixeira being able to stand with Jamahal Hill.
Teixeira (33-8 MMA, 16-6 UFC) meets Hill (11-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) for the vacant light heavyweight title in the UFC 283 headliner Jan. 21 at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ABC and ESPN+.
Smith (36-17 MMA, 11-7 UFC), who originally was booked against Hill in the main event of UFC Fight Night 221 on March 11, will not only serve as a backup for the title fight, but he’s helping Hill prepare for Teixeira. Hill’s dangerous striking has put his past three opponents out and Smith thinks he’ll be too much for the 43-year-old Teixeira.