Alex Poatan downplays changes after moving up a weight class in the UFC: 'I only added to my weight class, I didn't lose anything'

Alex Poatán Entering the octagon. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Alex Poatán He believes he will not experience a drop in performance in his heavyweight debut (up to 120,2 kg). The Brazilian, former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion, will be in action at UFC White House, scheduled for June 14th, when he faces Cyryl Gane for the division's interim belt. Despite the considerable gain in muscle mass, the fighter assures that he will not be slower inside the octagon.

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Poatan highlighted that the change in weight class has been positive, mainly due to the absence of restrictions on weight cutting, which allows him to maintain a more balanced diet. According to the Brazilian, his performance remains the same.

“Regarding moving up to heavyweight, it’s good because there are no restrictions. I’ve been eating clean and eating well. It’s been fun. In terms of performance, I feel exactly the same,” Poatan explained.

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Even while acknowledging that moving up a division and increasing physical size naturally impacts speed, Poatan claims he hasn't lost any important attributes, only added more mass to his game.

“Obviously, it’s not possible to move up to a much higher weight class, get stronger, and not lose perhaps some speed. We’ll see in the fight. But I feel exactly the same. I just increased in size, but I didn’t lose anything,” concluded the former light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg).

Watch Alex Poatan and Tallison Xicão's training session.

🤯💥 Alex Pereira looks good while sparring taller No.15 Heavyweight Tallison Teixeira.

Looks like he will do just fine at Heavyweight. pic.twitter.com/pFZ2fymTOx

— Full Mount MMA (@MMAFullMount) May 12, 2026

Alex Poatan seeks third UFC belt.

Alex Poatán after defeat in UFC 313 (Photo: Instagram UFC Canada)

The first belt of Alex Poatán In the UFC, he competed in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). On that occasion, the Brazilian faced his biggest rival, Israel adesanya, in the main fight of the UFC 281, and knocked out the Nigerian in the fifth round, accumulating his third victory over his opponent in combat sports. In the rematch, held in UFC 287Adesanya got his revenge, knocked out Poatan, and regained the title.

Exhausted from the weight cut, the Brazilian decided to move up a weight class. After winning Jan Blachowicz No. UFC 291, received the opportunity to compete for the light heavyweight belt against Jiri Prochazka, at UFC 295Poatan knocked out the Czech fighter, won the division title (up to 93 kg), and defended it three times.

Later, it was surpassed by Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 313, but bounced back by reclaiming the throne at UFC 320. Now, faced with uncertainty about the return of Tom aspinall to defend the undisputed heavyweight title, Poatan face Cyryl Gane In his debut in the category, competing for the interim title.