Fabio Maldonado Replaces “Rampage” Jackson, Meets Glover Teixeira At UFC 153

In the past 24-hours, UFC 153 has received a complete makeover. Part of that makeover involved the organization finding an opponent face Glover Teixeira after Quinton “Rampage” Jackson pulled out of the event due to injury. Stepping in for Jackson on short notice will be Teixeira’s Brazilian countryman, Fabio Maldonado.

The light heavyweight bout will take place on the main card of UFC 153, which takes place Oct. 13 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and airs live on pay-per-view.

News of Maldonado vs. Teixeira was reported and confirmed by USA Today.

Teixeira (18-2) made a success UFC debut last May when he submitted Kyle Kingsbury in less than two minutes at UFC 146. The win was the Brazilian’s 16th consecutive victory over the past six years, 15 of which have come by (T)KO or submission.

Maldonado (18-5) is currently on a two-fight skid in the UFC after starting his Octagon career with a victory over James McSweeney. The 32-year old was scheduled to face Cyrille Diabate at UFC 154, but was pulled from the bout in favor of facing Teixeira. Much like his opponent, Maldonado prefers to strike with his opponents as 12 of his 18 victories are by way of (T)KO. From the moment Jackson was off the UFC 153 card, Maldonado began a public campaign to replace the former light heavyweight champion, and the UFC granted his wish.

UFC 153: Silva vs. Bonnar goes down from the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Oct. 13.

To get the latest on UFC 153, click here. For up-to-date versions of all upcoming fight cards, head over to the rumors section.

Mike Bohn, founder and lead writer of FightCove.com, wrote this article. You can follow Mike on Twitter at @FightCoveMike. Also, follow @FightCove on Twitter and “Like” Fight Cove on Facebook.