What Alex Poatán need to do to overcome Anderson Silva as the greatest Brazilian in UFC history?. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage
The dominant victory of Alex Poatán about Khalil rountree No. UFC 307, an event held last Saturday (5) rekindled a debate that had already been growing: the current light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg.) is ready to overcome Anderson Silva as the greatest Brazilian fighter in UFC history?
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The issue, raised by Dana White after the event, divided opinions and generated an intense discussion behind the scenes in MMA.
To try to answer this question, the SUPER FIGHTS consulted its journalists on the subject. Opinions were diverse, but a consensus emerged: Poatan has immense potential, but it still needs time and more achievements to reach the level of Anderson Silva.
What does Alex Poatan need to do to surpass Anderson Silva as the greatest Brazilian in UFC history?
FOR Fernando Keller, the determining factor is time. If there is a promotion, for example, Poatan can 'reset the game' and overcome any debate.
"Anderson Silva began his UFC reign in 2006, at the age of 31, having more time to enjoy his physical and technical peak compared to Alex Poatán, who won his first belt at 35. Even though he is very active, it is difficult to imagine that Poatan will have enough time to get close to Spider's ten belt defenses, but a move up to the heavyweights and an eventual and unprecedented third belt could be an interesting shortcut for Alex to become the greatest Brazilian in the history of MMA”, he guessed.
Gabriel Reis brings to the discussion the comparison between longevity as a champion and the ability to be a champion in different categories.
“I think that in this discussion, it is important to weigh up what is more important: being a dominant champion with many defenses or being a champion in different categories? I believe that being a dominant champion, defending the title frequently, is more important. That is why Anderson is still bigger. But Poatan is definitely on the right track. If he continues to win as he has been doing, or goes for his third belt, then the discussion will end,” he said.
Igor Ribeiro highlights Poatan's distinguished career in the UFC, overcoming adversity and distrust to, in addition to a 'movie story', quickly become one of the best fighters in the history of the sport.
“Poatan built his career in an unusual way. He migrated late to MMA after a successful career in kickboxing, where he defended his title eight times. In the UFC, although there was initial skepticism, he quickly stood out with a series of brutal knockouts, which placed him as one of the most exciting fighters today. […] If he manages to equal or surpass these numbers and, in addition, become heavyweight champion – having already been champion at middleweight and light heavyweight – it is difficult to imagine the discussion continuing. He would establish himself as the greatest Brazilian fighter in the history of the UFC”, he highlighted.
Yes, Louis Antonio highlights the intangible aspects of Anderson's legacy, such as his longevity and influence on the sport.
"Anderson Silva He is a very specific figure in the history of MMA because he combines a series of criteria that, in my humble opinion, qualify him as the best in the history of the sport. He has the longevity of a champion. It is very difficult when you spend years being the main fighter in a weight category. Everyone looks at you, tries to find strategies to win. He is the guy to beat. He achieved longevity and broke records. […] Poatan shows with each fight that the sky is the limit, that nothing is impossible for him. He is not at the same level yet, but he can become one”, he analyzed.
Lastly, Tiago Campos adds two crucial points: time and media.
“I think Poatan needs more time in the UFC. Obviously I’m not belittling his achievements in such a short time. But despite a melancholic farewell to the UFC, Anderson Silva He built a legacy. He was one of those responsible for 'popularizing' the sport in Brazil. Although Poatan has already convinced the 'die-hard' fans, the champion still needs more time to convince the masses. […] Poatan is already advanced and has everything to build a legacy within the UFC. Time at the top attracts the media, which attracts success, which attracts legacy”, he concluded.
Paved path
the way of Alex Poatán of course: consolidate his position in the light heavyweight division with more title defenses or seek history by becoming the first three-time UFC champion.
Time will tell if he can reach or even surpass Anderson Silva, but one thing is certain: the São Paulo native has already paved his own path to greatness in MMA, and the discussion about who is the greatest Brazilian UFC fighter is just beginning.
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