Alex Poatan wore two belts in different weight classes in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@UFCEurasia
2023 was a year of highs and lows for Alex Poatan , but the Brazilian showed his resilience and talent by starting as the middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg) and later making history by being crowned 'king' in the UFC light heavyweight division . With this achievement, he received recognition from former champion Robert Whittaker , who chose him as 'Fighter of the Year'.
Whittaker participated in the ‘Main Event’ program, and elected Poatan as the 2023 ‘Fighter of the Year’, highlighting his amount of work and his evolution.
See too
“I’m going with Alex (Poatan). He has a low number of fights, but with formidable quality. He also moved up (a category) successfully. He was a giant at middleweight, he moved up and did his job. He had a good fight against Blachowicz and then got the belt. I don't know, you have to give that guy your vote. I choose him”, declared Whittaker.
Alex Poatan in UFC
Alex Poatan , 36, is considered one of the best strikers in the world, with a record of nine wins and two losses in MMA . In the UFC, the São Paulo native had a meteoric rise, needing only seven fights to become the first Brazilian man to hold the middleweight (up to 83,9kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93kg) titles. The fighter has already faced names like Israel Adesanya , Jan Blachowicz , Jiri Prochazka , and Sean Strickland.
Before arriving in MMA, Pereira was world kickboxing champion for ‘GLORY’, having faced names like Artem Vakhitov, Simon Marcus and Jason Wilnis.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
You need to log in to comment.