UFC legend predicts big change in Alex Poatan's future after Magomed Ankalaev fight: 'He's going away'

Alex Poatán in UFC fight entrance Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Alex Poatán may have his days numbered in the UFC light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg). The Brazilian, who will defend his title for the fourth time against Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 313, scheduled for the 8th, has already made clear his plans to move up to heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) and seek the unprecedented third Ultimate belt. For the former fighter and current commentator Chael Sonnen, this will be the Brazilian's next step, regardless of the result.

On his YouTube channel, Sonnen predicted that after the UFC 313, Poatan will likely move to the heavyweights. The former rival of Anderson Silva states that, in case of defeat, Alex will not seek revenge and recalled the circumstances when the Brazilian moved up from middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) to light heavyweight.

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“If Pereira wins, he’ll find something else to do, and if Pereira loses, he’ll be gone. I feel like a lot of you guys have forgotten how Pereira got to 93 pounds. He didn’t get to 93 pounds by cleaning up the lower weight class. He came in losing at 84 pounds, and that’s what opened the door. No belt, no vacancy, just a move up,” Sonnen said.

Sonnen believes Alex Pereira will move up to heavyweight regardless of the outcome against Ankalaev. The commentator also suggests that this move will put pressure on Jon Jones e Tom aspinall, forcing a definition in the division as soon as Poatan finishes his fight in the UFC 313.

“So no matter what happens after Ankalaev, things are going to be very different for Pereira. I predict he will rise, and the time bomb of Jon Jones e Tom aspinall taking this further and prolonging this comes at midnight as soon as Pereira finishes his appointment with Ankalaev, win or lose.”, concluded the 'American Gangster'.