Alex Poatán is carried by Glover Teixeira after victory in UFC 295. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Even after facing great difficulties at the beginning of the fight, the Brazilian Alex Poatán successfully defended the light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg) at UFC 307. The champion was tested in the first two rounds, but managed a comeback by knockout in the fourth round. His friend and coach, Glover Teixeira, revealed the secrets to victory: discipline and focus.
In an interview with UFC Fight Pass, the former light heavyweight champion highlighted the intensity of the fight against Khalil rountree and highlighted the danger that the opponent represented, as well as how Poatan remained calm to react at the right moment.
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“This fight was pure adrenaline. Khalil is very dangerous. In the second round, he landed some blows, but thank goodness Poatan has a head of stone! In the end, it was the discipline and focus on the work we did in the gym that prevailed. From the third round onwards, he followed the plan until the right moment to finish the fight,” said Glover.
Despite the initial scare caused by Rountree's blows, Glover highlighted Poatan's positive points. He praised his pupil's dedication and showed optimism regarding the champion's future, classifying him as one of the greatest of all time in the sport.
“We are scared because this doesn’t usually happen with Poatan, he has a very good defense. But what everyone sees is this: one of the best of all time. He continues to prove it. He is a dedicated guy, an inspiration to all of us. It is a privilege to be in the corner of such a good fighter. We learn more from him than he learns from us,” said the coach.
Future of Poatan
With the victory, Poatan remains firm as light heavyweight champion, but is already starting to consider new challenges. One of the possible paths for the Brazilian is the heavyweight category (up to 120,2 kg), currently led by the linear champion Jon Jones and by the interim champion Tom aspinall. About the future, Glover Teixeira He did not spare praise for his pupil, highlighting that Poatan is prepared to face any opponent in the octagon.
"Tom aspinall, Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic… all these guys are dangerous, but not more so than Khalil! They can be just as dangerous, because Khalil hits really hard and is really fast. What makes Poatan different is that he gradually breaks down his opponent, hurting them, and no one can keep up with his pace,” concluded Glover.
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