Poatan's friend wins by knockout, but fails to get a UFC contract

Yousri Belgaroui is the main sparring partner of Alex Poatán. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @yousriofficial

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Alex Poatán had many well-known fighters to watch in the latest 'Contender Series'. In addition to Quemuel Ottoni, who ended up not fighting, the program also featured a presentation by Yousri Belgaroui, a former kickboxing opponent and current training partner of the current light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg). The Dutchman faced Taiga Iwasaki, in the middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and achieved a knockout in the third round. However, the result was not enough to enter the UFC.

In an interview with reporter Laura Sanko, White criticized the strategy and fouls committed by the former kickboxer.

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“He was an 11-to-1,96 favorite against a guy who took the fight on short notice. He’s a XNUMX-foot-XNUMX middleweight. Instead of closing his hands and using them to keep his opponent away to finish him, he poked him in the eyes five or six times, or four or five times – it doesn’t matter. He didn’t impress me tonight, I’m not interested (in signing him to the UFC),” said the organization’s president.

This was Belgaroui's second appearance on the show. In August 2023, the Dutchman was beaten by Marcus Tullius, member of 'Chute Boxe Diego Lima', by unanimous decision. At the time, the Brazilian also did not win the contract. More recently, Tulio returned to the 'Contender Series', succeeding this time.

Alex Poatan and Yousri Belgaroui

With a record of eight wins and three losses, Belgaroui is an old acquaintance of Alex Poatán. The two faced each other on three occasions in professional kickboxing, between 2017 and 2018, with the Brazilian winning two fights. In addition to Pereira, the Dutchman also fought against Israel adesanya, being defeated by points.

Despite their rivalry during their exchanges, the two became good friends. Since 2021, they have been training together at 'Teixeira MMA & Fitness', run by the former light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg). Glover Teixeira.