Alex Poatán rides an electric bike in Australia. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Former double champion and current Ultimate commentator, Daniel Cormier, revealed that he was concerned about the preparation of Alex Poatán before the UFC 313. On March 8th, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (USA), the light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg) finally faces Magomed Ankalayev. The Russian sambo practitioner is a grappling specialist and could be a big problem for the Brazilian striker.
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Even though he did incredible things, like defending the belt three times last year against names like Jamahal hill, Jiri Prochazka e Khalil rountree, securing the title of best fighter of 2024, in UFC 313 Alex Poatán faces, without a doubt, its toughest test to date. Magomed Ankalayev is on fire, he is focused, ready and determined to capture the Brazilian belt.
In the eyes of Daniel Cormier, Poatan may not be doing enough to promote his cause before the fight. Among the commentator's analyses is that the fighter took too long in Australia, where he was a cornerman for Sean Strickland in defeat to Dricus du Plessis. Last Sunday (16), the Brazilian was present at the show by rapper Drake, which took place in the country of Oceania.
“Ankalaev is already [in Vegas], he’s locked in, I met him at UFC PI last week. He’s honestly so locked in, ready to win this fight against Alex Pereira. [Pereira] was in Australia last week, shaking Drake’s hand as he walked on stage for his show… what is Pereira still doing in Australia? He’s fighting in two weeks!” Cormier asked.
The former UFC double champion also recalled the issue of the Australian time zone, which could be a factor that hinders Poatan's conditioning.
“I came back from Australia and all last week, I was waking up at 3 in the morning. I don’t care if Pereira has weeks to prepare, he’s going to be ready and prepared, but even those extra two or three days where he’s adjusting his watch to get back on schedule in Connecticut… he’s going to have to deal with all this travel and all this time difference. And where’s Glover [Teixeira]? Is Glover just in Australia with him? Is it just him and Plinio [Cruz]? Honestly, Glover is the guy who should be working with Alex the most right now because of [Ankalaev’s] wrestling… Pereira needs to go home, he needs to go home and get his act together, because he has the toughest fight of his title reign,” he concluded.
In the UFC, Poatan has 10 wins and one loss, which was against his long-time rival. and today 'buddy', Israel adesanya.
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