John Teixeira da Conceição, better known as John Teixeira, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently competing in Bellator's featherweight division. A professional competitor since 2007, Teixeira has formerly competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship and was a contestant on .
From September 2007 to December 2011, Teixeira amassed an undefeated record of 12–0–1, fighting exclusively in his native Brazil. Teixeira was ranked as the eighth best featherweight prospect in BloodyElbow.com's 2012 scouting report.
''The Ultimate Fighter''
In March 2012, it was revealed that Teixeira would be a participant on . In the entry round, Teixeira defeated Giovanni da Silva Santos, Jr. via submission in the first round to move into the house. Teixeira was picked third by Wanderlei Silva to be on Team Wanderlei. He was then selected to face Rodrigo Damm in the quarterfinals of the tournament. He lost via split decision after three rounds.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Teixeira made his UFC debut at UFC 147 on June 23, 2012 against Hugo Viana at a catchweight of 150 lbs. after Teixeira missed weight. He lost via split decision. Teixeira was released from the promotion after his loss to Viana.
Teixeira made his Bellator and United States debut at Bellator 128 on October 10, 2014 against Scott Cleve. He won the fight via split decision. Teixeira faced Fabrício Guerreiro at Bellator 136 on April 10, 2015. He won the fight by split decision. Teixeira next faced Gleristone Santos at Bellator 143 on September 25, 2015. He won the fight via split decision. With three straight victories in Bellator, Teixeira was set to face former Bellator featherweight champion, Patrício Freire, at Bellator 153 on April 22, 2016. A rib injury, however, forced Teixeira out of the bout. In an interview with MMAfighting.com, Freire placed doubt on the legitimacy of the injury, which was rebutted by Teixeira. Henry Corrales stepped in as a late replacement. Teixeira was again scheduled to face another former Bellator featherweight champion in Pat Curran, at Bellator 167 on December 3, 2016. However, an injury to Curran forced him out of the bout and, as a result, Teixeira faced off against former UFC competitor Justin Lawrence. Throughout the fight, Teixeira utilized leg kicks to nullify the movement of Lawrence, while continuously moving forward with power punches. After three rounds, Teixeira was awarded a victory via unanimous decision. Teixeira faced Daniel Weichel at Bellator 177 on April 14, 2017. He lost the fight via split decision. The bout with Curran was rescheduled for Bellator 184 on October 6, 2017. Teixeira lost the fight by unanimous decision. Teixeira faced A. J. McKee on September 21, 2018 at Bellator 205, replacing Pat Curran. He lost the fight via knockout in round one. Teixeira next faced Kevin Croom at Bellator 218 on March 22, 2019. He won the fight via unanimous decision. Teixeira then faced Ashleigh Grimshaw at Bellator 226 on September 7, 2019. Teixeira won the fight via technical knockout as the cageside doctor put a halt to the fight after the second round. Subsequently he signed a new exclusive, multi-fight contract with Bellator. As the first fight of his new contract, Teixeira faced Mikuru Asakura at Rizin 20 on December 31, 2019. He lost the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision.
