Alex Poatan surpasses Brazilian idols and makes history in the light heavyweight division

A. Poatan receives the belt from D. White at UFC 303 (Photo: Twitter/@ufcnews)

PUBLICITY:

Alex Poatan 's knockout of Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 brought another record to the new Ultimate star. With the triumph last Saturday (29), the light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg) surpassed other icons of national MMA and became the Brazilian with the most title defenses in the category. Understand.

See too

Rematch, heavyweights or new rival? Bets for Alex Poatan's future in the UFC

Month promises! See the most anticipated duels in July in MMA and boxing

Conor McGregor thanks Alex Poatan for his support and announces his return to the UFC: 'Real recognizes real'

After the unification of MMA rules in 2000, Vitor Belfort became the first Brazilian champion in the light heavyweight division by defeating Randy Couture in January 2004. However, in the immediate rematch, the American got his revenge and knocked out the Brazilian in the third round, quickly ending his reign.

In May 2009, the then-undefeated Lyoto Machida knocked out then-champion Rashad Evans in the second round and also entered the gallery of champions in the history of the light heavyweight division. Unlike Vitor Belfort , the fighter from Pará was still able to defend his belt by beating Maurício Shogun a little over five months later, in a controversial unanimous decision by the judges.

In the highly anticipated rematch in May 2010, Shogun didn't want to leave the decision to the judges again and quickly knocked out the Paraense fighter in the first round, winning the 93kg division belt. In March 2011, in his first title defense, Mauricio couldn't handle the talents of a young Jon Jones and was decisively dethroned with a knockout in the third round.

Last Saturday (29), Alex Poatan made history once again by becoming the first Brazilian to defend the light heavyweight belt twice. Glover Teixeira 's pupil beat Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka , both by knockout, and continues his dominant reign in the 93kg category.

Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.