"Absolutely no one ever retires from MMA for real" - Fans unimpressed as Alex Pereira's 44-year-old coach Glover Teixeira teases UFC return

Fans weren't overly interested in Glover Teixeira ending his retirement from mixed martial arts.

In January 2023, Teixeira failed to regain the UFC light heavyweight championship due to a unanimous decision loss against Jamahal Hill. Following the vacant title fight, the Brazilian legend officially announced his retirement from MMA, walking away with a professional record of 33-9.

Since then, Teixeira has focused on coaching his close friend Alex Pereira, who recently defended his UFC light heavyweight title for the third time. Teixeira has mentored and trained 'Poatan,' one of the most dangerous fighters in the entire promotion, giving the 44-year-old confidence in a potential MMA return.

Teixeira recently did an interview with Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting and had this to say about potentially fighting again:

"There's nothing [booked], but I'll definitely go back to competition... I'll do some jiu-jitsu, I wanna do... I don't know, maybe boxing, or even go back for some fights in the UFC."

Teixeira's quote was posted on Instagram, leading to the following negative fan reactions in the comment section:

"Please stay retired glover. You’re An amazing coach. You had your run and gave us many many memories!"

"UFC retirements are pointless 😂 they should def have a legends division 40+ so they can fight until they’re 50 something"

"Absolutely no one ever retires from mma for real, I wish they would 🥲"

"Man retiring in the UFC means nothing"

Instagram comments to Glover Teixeira

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Where would Glover Teixeira stand in the UFC light heavyweight division?

Alex Pereira extended his light heavyweight title reign with a fourth-round knockout win against Khalil Rountree Jr. Number two-ranked Magomed Ankalaev is scheduled to face Aleksandar Rakic (#5) for the next title shot, with the top five rounded off by Jan Blachowicz (#4), Jamahal Hill (#3), and Jiri Prochazka (#1).

Glover Teixeira would first need to defeat a top-ranked opponent to silence any doubts about his age. The 44-year-old has fought most of the top five, so he might have to face someone in a rematch depending on how the division looks when he makes his potential return to the Octagon.

It should be noted that Teixeira's relationship with Pereira makes things slightly complicated. The Brazilian legend would have to wait until 'Poatan' loses the UFC light heavyweight title or move up to heavyweight.