Glover Teixeira waited and waited and waited to finally become a UFC fighter.

After making a splash by finishing veteran Kyle Kingsbury, Teixeira will be seeking a second consecutive highlight-reel win when he takes on Fabio Maldonado Saturday night at UFC 153.

I’ve wanted to be in the UFC for so long, and now that I am here, it is (like) living a dream. I learned from Chuck Liddell that it is important to be an exciting fighter, to go for the finish; that it is important for you to go out and excite the crowd.

Teixeira (18-2) did that against Kingsbury, knocking him down with effective striking before locking in a submission. Of his 18 career victories, 11 have come via knockout and five have been submission wins.

The brash Brazilian has made claims in recent weeks that he would accept a fight with UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Several other fighters have turned down bouts vs. Jones, but that isn’t Teixeira’s upbringing.

I will fight anyone in the UFC. I waited so long to get here – I will fight anyone. Maldonado is a good fighter and will bring the fight to me, but I will knock him out; knockout of the night, maybe.