Magomed Ankalayev challenged again Alex Poatán on his social media last Sunday (20). The Russian, who took the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg) from the Brazilian in a controversial decision in UFC 313, promised a 'storm never seen before' in the sport if the match goes ahead. They have a verbal agreement in place for a rematch in August.
“Alex, I am ready to give you a rematch if you really want it. Just be prepared for a storm in the next fight, storm that you have never faced in this sport #bigANK,” Ankalaev wrote on his official 'X' (formerly Twitter) account.
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The first fight between the two, in March, ended with Ankalaev winning by unanimous decision, a result that was met with boos from the crowd and questioned by fighters in the organization. The Russian controlled the pace with constant pressure and angled strikes, although he failed all 12 of his takedown attempts.
In March, the Russian had already indicated August as the preferred month for the reunion, with an ironic condition: 'August, but please, #NoVaseline' - a reference to accusations that the Brazilian used substances to make grappling difficult in the first duel. Poatan, in turn, confirmed his willingness to meet on that date.
The organization, however, has not yet made the fight official. One complicating factor is Ankalaev's preference for Abu Dhabi as the venue, where the UFC usually holds events in October — two months after the date he suggested.
Read More about: Alex Poatán, Magomed Ankalayev, UFC, UFC 313
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