The former UFC champion joked that he could face an influencer in a future bout after turning 47 years old.

Ready to face Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in a boxing match at Spaten Fight Night 3 in São Paulo, Brazil, Glover Teixeira does not expect to have a long career after that. However, the former UFC light heavyweight champion is not ready to call it a career just yet. Ahead of the event on Saturday, Teixeira said that the matchup will not necessarily be his final fight while leaving open the possibility of taking on a more unusual opponent in the future.

Glover Teixeira Leaves Door Open for Another Fight

Retired from MMA since January 2023, Teixeira will make his professional boxing debut against Shogun. About to turn 47 in October, the former UFC champion has no plans to build a new career in boxing, though. But that doesn’t mean this will be Teixeira’s final appearance.

“I don’t think I’m going to have a career after this, but I say it’s not my last fight because who knows?” Teixeira said during the event’s pre-fight press conference. “Maybe a good matchup against someone my age. I’ll turn 47 two months after this fight, so I’m not looking to build a career. I’ll leave that to the younger guys. But it’s not my last fight.”

Glover Teixeira Jokes About Fighting an Influencer

Actually, Teixeira has already suggested what he could do next. Inspired by former boxing world champion Acelino “Popó” Freitas, who has become involved in several celebrity boxing events over the last few years, Teixeira joked about the possibility of facing an influencer himself.

“Who knows, maybe I’ll fight one of these influencers, like ‘Popó’ , an easier fight,” Teixeira said with a laugh. “They put me against Shogun, come on. They can put me against ‘Bambam’, easier matchups. Maybe next time, but right now I’m focused on Shogun and showing what I can do. It’s cool to fight a guy who’s truly honorable, a real fighter, and show that to the public. But who knows, maybe an influencer .”

For now, however, Teixeira’s attention remains on Shogun and the challenge awaiting him at Spaten Fight Night 3. Whether the former UFC champion eventually returns for another boxing match — and who could be waiting for him — will depend on what comes next after Saturday night.