Former Vol Ovince Saint Preux Drops A Tough One In Nashville

Former Tennessee Volunteer Ovince Saint Preux drops a tough loss in UFC Fight Night 73 on Saturday in Nashville.

Ovince Saint Preux came into the fight as one of the hottest names in UFC, and ranked #6 in the Light Heavyweight division with an 18-6 record.

OSP was coming off of two first round knockouts, while his opponent Glover Teixeira was coming off of two losses. However, Teixeira was still the #4 ranked fighter in the division, and a veteran.

It was simply a case of athleticism vs experience.

The introductions started exactly how a Vol fan would want it to. With the home arena advantage, and several people from Knoxville making it to the fight, Saint Preux walked out to “Rocky Top.” As you can expect, there were several reactions on Twitter.

A Nashville athletic event was ringing with Rocky Top for the first time since the win over Vanderbilt, and the expectation for an OSP win was strong. However, OSP was not facing a Vanderbilt quality opponent. Teixeira is a fighter who is usually expected to emerge victorious.

He came into the fight with a 22-4 record, and with a previous title shot under his belt against former champ Jon “Bones” Jones.

OSP’s advantage of length and athleticism showed early as he landed several big punches, and was able to escape from the grasps of Teixeira’s takedowns. The inexperience of Saint Preux came to the forefront however. Teixeira is a guy who is known for his ground game (grappling). OSP is not.

Saint Preux is still learning how to win in different ways. He has not had many fights where he has been successful taking his opponent to the mat for a victory. He wants to knock you out.

OSP was going for those knockout punches on Saturday night, but his legs were the problem. The former Vol continued to get caught trying to land body kicks on the more experienced fighter, and Teixeira was able to use that to get OSP off balance and on the ground.

The fight lasted three rounds. Where did it end? On the ground.

Teixeira won via choke out. To give OSP credit, he did not quit or tap out, but did become unconscious because of it. Yes, that is common in the UFC, and he is fine.

The former Vol’s chances at a title are not over, but they will take a slight hit. The fight demonstrated areas the fighter needs to improve, and expect him to come back strong and more experienced with his 18-7 record.

Fighting out of Knoxville, Tennessee. Ovince Saint Preux.