Without facing Ankalaev, Poatan has new options in the UFC; understand the possible directions

Alex Poatán in preparation for a UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC

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the future of Alex Poatán in the UFC has generated expectations among fans and experts. Recently, the Brazilian, current light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg), caused surprise when he spoke about his next fight and rule out the possibility to face Magomed Ankalayev, one of the names most considered for a fight for the belt.

With this, new speculations arise about what the fighter's next step could be, both in the up to 93 kg division and in a possible jump to heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg). In a direct post on social media, Poatan informed that he will not face the Russian, causing an immediate reaction from Ankalaev, who called him a 'chicken', a term used to accuse someone of avoiding a challenge.

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Poatan's attitude caused discomfort in his rival, but the decision to choose another path remains a mystery to many. Therefore, SUPER FIGHTS raises the possibilities for the Brazilian's future — far from Ankalaev, for now.

The alternatives within the light heavyweight division

With the light heavyweight rankings already featuring some names scheduled for fights, the options for the Brazilian seem limited. Jamahal hill e Jan Blachowicz, for example, already have scheduled commitments, which makes the option of facing one of these fighters not very viable at the moment.

In line, other athletes like Nikita Krylov, Dominick reyes e Azamat Murzakanov stand out for their positive sequences and could be options, but, until now, none of them have been confirmed as opponents for the champion.

Khamzat Chimaev in the running for Alex Poatan?

In parallel, speculation about a possible fight against Khamzat Shimaev gained strength. The Swede, who is currently not fighting for the middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg) and was overlooked by Sean Strickland in struggle before Dricus du Plessis, could move up to light heavyweight, as the division still does not have a clear definition of who will be the next challenger.

The possibility of Poatan moving to the heavyweights

A more remote, but not ruled out, alternative would be Poatan moving up to the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg). Although the fight between Jon Jones e Tom aspinall has not yet been made official, this could be a path for Brazilians.

If he decides to move up a category, Poatan could measure himself against giants like Cyryl Gane or even face one of the two champions, Jones or Aspinall, in a 'lockdown' in the negotiation for a fight between both for the organization's linear belt. Which option will be chosen? Magomed Ankalayev is, in fact, out of the running?