Summary
Alex Poatan and Israel Adesanya face off in the octagon at UFC 287 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)
Israel Adesanya spoke again about Alex Poatan , this time to suggest a new opponent for the light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg). After the Brazilian's victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, the Nigerian pointed to Carlos Ulberg , his training partner at City Kickboxing, as the ideal name to face the São Paulo native in his next title defense.
"I think Carlos (Ulberg) versus Alex (Poatan). I like the idea. He should be next," Adesanya said in a video posted on social media.
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The New Zealander is considered one of the top rising stars in the light heavyweight division and is ranked near the top 5. He comes off a victory over Dominick Reyes and witnessed Poatan's knockout in the first round of their fight.
Adesanya trains with Ulberg
Teammates at City Kickboxing, a gym in Auckland, New Zealand, Adesanya and Ulberg maintain a close relationship both inside and outside the Octagon. The New Zealander even served as the Nigerian's sparring partner in preparation for the fights against Poatan, even helping the former champion study the Brazilian's style.
The Brazilian, who regained the light heavyweight belt by knocking out Magomed Ankalaev in just 1m20s last Saturday (4), has a range of possibilities ahead. Among them are a super fight against Jon Jones , former heavyweight champion, or even a definitive move up to the division above, as Dana White and Adesanya himself have already considered.
The UFC president recently stated that he 'could say yes' to the idea of seeing Poatan testing his strength among the organization's giants. On the other hand, a title defense against Carlos Ulberg would represent an interesting renewal for the light heavyweight division.
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