Former UFC champion says Magomed Ankalaev doesn't have what it takes to beat Alex Poatan: 'He's going to lose'

Ankalaev promised to knock out Poatan (Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS)

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The year 2025 is still open for Alex Poatan 's future . Elected 'Fighter of the Year' in 2024, ahead of standouts like Alexandre Pantoja and Ilia Topuria , it remains unknown whether the current light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg) will continue to dominate in his current weight class or if he will actually move up to the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg) to face challenges like Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.

While this matter remains unresolved, Magomed Ankalaev is extremely confident that he is next in line to challenge Poatan for the gold. The Russian from the Republic of Dagestan believes he has the necessary skills to defeat the Brazilian, who in 2024 defended his belt against three of the top names in the division: Jamahal Hill , Jiri Prochazka , and Khalil Rountree.

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But a former UFC champion isn't convinced of Ankalaev's abilities. Currently ranked 4th in the light heavyweight division, Jan Blachowicz is worried about what will happen when his rival faces Poatan. The Polish fighter has already shared the octagon with both opponents: a controversial draw against Ankalaev at UFC 282 and a split decision loss in Poatan's debut at UFC 291.

“If Ankalaev fights like he did in his last fight with Aleksandar Rakic , he will lose the fight. So, he needs to do something more. He’s a good fighter, but it’s not enough for Pereira [Poatan] in this kind of style. He needs to change, he has to believe in what he’s doing, I don’t think he believes in it, he just wants to win the fight, but not take too many punches, he’s very cautious. That’s what he’s doing. I think this kind of thing with Pereira won’t work,” Blachowicz said in an interview with Home of Fight.

Fight against Carlos Ulberg

Jan Blachowicz is a former UFC light heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Jan Blachowicz is training at a camp ahead of his fight against Carlos Ulberg . Currently ranked 6th, the New Zealander is on the rise in the UFC with seven consecutive wins and promises to be a tough opponent, as he also has his sights set on the light heavyweight title.

“[The camp is] a secret for now… I need to change something. Because I’m almost 42 years old. So, I need to train a little differently. But we’ll do similar things. I know how to beat people; I know how to fight. I don’t want to get tired in the fight. I have everything. I have knockout power, I have good striking, I have good wrestling, I have a good jiu-jitsu game. I need to focus on cardio. Because last time, with Pereira, I was breathing really hard, I don’t want to make that mistake again,” he revealed.

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