Alex Poatan reveals that he considered a new fight in 2024, but accepts rest and sets a deadline for his return to the UFC

Alex Poatán accepts rest and sets deadline for return to UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Alex Poatán has put the brakes on after a hectic year. After three light heavyweight belt defenses (up to 93kg) in a record period of 175 days, the Brazilian reveals that he considered a fight in December, but decided to prioritize health and rest. In an interview with journalist Ariel Helwani, UFC champion revealed that March is the most likely date for his next commitment inside the octagon.

The decision to slow down is not due to a lack of desire to fight. On the contrary, Poatan has shown willingness to defend his title. However, the intense training routine and the numerous trips, added to some injuries suffered throughout the year, made the champion's team opt for a recovery period.

See too

Alex Poatan has everything to dominate Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC, says former rival

Former champion challenges Poatan to rematch: 'I won the first fight'

A Thousand Days Have Passed: What's Changed in Ngannou's World (and Life) Since His Last UFC Fight

“I would like to fight in March. For me, I would fight in December. We had two fights, we talked to the people who were organizing our trips and they understood. Now, we have a travel commitment. If it weren’t for the trips, I would fight in December. I want to fight. But, thinking about it, I would rest a little and, around March, that would be a good time”, explained Poatan.

2024 BELONGS TO POATAN @AlexPereiraUFC defeats Khalil rountree Jr. by TKO to defend his light heavyweight title for THIRD time in 2024!

[ B2YB @JoseCuervo | #UFC307 ] pic.twitter.com/M0D8mfYXFM

- UFC (@ufc) October 6, 2024

Year of overcoming (and victories) for Alex Poatan

The 2024 season was marked by challenges and achievements for Alex Poatán. The champion faced high-level opponents such as Jamahal hill, Jiri Prochazka e Khalil rountree, always emerging victorious. However, this sequence of fights required a great deal of physical and mental effort of the athlete.

In preparation for the fight against Khalil rountree, in early October, Poatan arrived in Salt Lake City with a sore throat, requiring antibiotic treatment. In addition, the Brazilian suffered a fractured rib and tore a ligament in his finger during training.