AJ: When I touch Glover, I will have all his respect
Anthony Johnson: When Glover Teixeira and I hit each other, our respect increases
Martial arts are supposed to develop respect and dignity. Unfortunately, because it puts asses in seats and because it is fun, disrespect in the form of outlandish trash talking has become the norm in mixed martial arts. However, Anthony Johnson and Glover Teixeira are sterling exceptions.
The pair fight in the co-main event of UFC 202 on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Both men are respectful, and respect each other. in a recent appearance on “MMA Noise” Johnson predicted that the respect from Glover would only increase when he lays a glove on him.
“Glover, he’s a vet for sure,” began Johnson, as transcribed byAdam Guillen Jr. for MMA Mania. “He has been in there with the best of the best and I have to find an opening, that’s it. I know if I touch him just a little bit, I have his respect.
“We are just two respectful fighters. We fight hard, we don’t talk trash in victory or defeat. We just fight hard and have fun out there. But I know that if touch him, even a little bit, I’m going to have his respect even more.
“Same with me, he touches me, we have respect and we will take that chance to see who has it and who doesn’t. I just have to find that opening. And Glover, I know he is going to play it smart the entire fight, he has no choice, he knows that if he makes a mistake with me he can be looking at the ceiling saying ‘What happened or what did I get hit with?’ The same thing can happen with me, if I make a mistake with Glover. He’s a hard puncher.
“But do I think he can punch harder than me? No. Can he take as much punishment as me? I’ve seen him in there take hits and drop for a second, but his recovery time is like he didn’t get hit. It will be a tough fight.”
The winner of the fight is expected to get a shot at UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, later this year.