He didn't call! Alex Poatán had his toughest fight in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg) and lost the belt to Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 313, an event held this Saturday (93kg). The Brazilian defended the Russian's takedowns, but found it difficult to deal with his rival's standing style and was defeated by the judges' unanimous decision.
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With the defeat, Alex loses the absolute top spot in his category. The Brazilian star fails in his attempt to defend the belt for the fourth time.
Ankalaev fulfilled his promise to dethrone Poatan. The Russian reaches the top of the world on his second attempt and extends his streak to 14 fights without losing.
Ankalaev surprises with stand-up play and beats Poatan on points
The first initiative came from Poatan, who repeatedly kicked Ankalaev's leg. Alex came in with a punch and missed, Magomed tried a high kick in response, which was quickly blocked. The fight was studied, with no major risks for either. In the final stretch, the Russian attempted a takedown, which was well defended by the Brazilian.
In the corner, the request for Glover Teixeira Poatan was supposed to work on the low kick, which Ankalaev was already feeling. The challenger, on his return for the second round, worked a good front kick, which propelled the Brazilian. The Russian came close with a straight right to the face, which made Alex feel it. He went for it, while the champion stepped back to breathe and turn. A new blow landed once again. The Brazilian was cornered against the fence and the round ended.
Alex Poatán is defeated by Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 313. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC News
In the third round, Ankalaev cornered Poatan and attempted a takedown, which was denied. He continued to advance, while the Brazilian showed a defensive posture. Alex then began to work more on his strikes and had good moments with his counterattacks.
The start of the fourth round was exactly what was expected from Ankalaev. He automatically stuck to Poatan against the fence to try to take him down. The Brazilian, however, defended himself very well and denied all of his attempts. Referee Marc Goddard interrupted the fight and got him back on his feet. The Brazilian, standing, already seemed more tired, while the Russian insisted on holding him against the fence.
Ankalaev landed a strong cross in the fifth round, but Poatan didn't even flinch. The Brazilian had a more aggressive stance and wanted to land more strikes. And he succeeded. With devastating kicks, Alex managed to hit the Russian's face, which he felt.
UFC 313 results
MAIN CARD
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Magomed Ankalayev derrotou Alex Poatán in the unanimous decision of the judges (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) – fight for the belt
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Justin gaethje derrotou Raphael Fiziev in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Ignatius Bahamondes finished jalin turner with a triangle at 2m29sec of R1
Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Amanda lemos derrotou Iasmin Lucindo by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Mauricio Ruffy derrotou King Green by knockout at 2m07sec of R1
PRELIMINARY CARD
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joshua Van derrotou King Tsuruya by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27,30-27, 30-27)
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Bruno Hulk finished Armen petrosyan with an armbar at 4m27sec of R2
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Carlos Leal derrotou alex morono by technical knockout (punches) at 4min16s of R1
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Mairon Santos derrotou Francis Marshall by split decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ozzy Diaz derrotou Djorden dos Santos in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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