UFC commentator says he knew Alex Poatan's potential before his debut: 'Scary'

Alex Poatán lands in London. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

One of the most important names in the history of sports, Joe Rogan knew that Alex Poatán would be a success in the UFC even before his debut. In his podcast, JRE Experience', the organization's commentator recalls that he already knew the fighter from his kickboxing days and it was only a matter of time before the Brazilian made victims in Dana White's company.

“Alex Pereira is the perfect example of a meteoric rise in MMA. But it’s worth remembering that he was already one of the greatest kickboxers of all time. When he joined the UFC, a lot of people didn’t know him yet, but as a huge kickboxing fan, I knew — when this guy arrived, bodies were going to drop,” Rogan recalled.

See too

Pedalada on Rodolfo Bellato: understand the rule of the blow that ended the Brazilian's fight at UFC Atlanta

Former champion pockets millionaire sum and leads in earnings at UFC Atlanta; see all salaries

Dana praises Poirier's career and admits that the UFC 318 location was designed to honor the athlete

Although he already had Joe's appreciation, Poatan was unknown to much of the public and even fighters. Daniel Cormier, who had already made history as champion in the light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) and heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) categories, was impressed by Alex's firepower as soon as he saw the first video with the Brazilian's best moments.

“I remember the Daniel Cormier “He was like, ‘Really?’ And I was like, ‘I’m telling you.’ I pointed at him at the premiere and said, ‘That’s the boogeyman of boogeymen. He sends people to another dimension.’ I showed Cormier some videos of his kickboxing fights, and he was like, ‘Oh my God!’ I said, ‘Everybody he touches, he knocks them out. He has the touch of death.’”

The success was sudden. Already at the premiere, Alex Poatán knocked down Andreas Michailidis with a flying knee. Then he ran over Sean Strickland. And that's how, in a short time, he made history as one of the greatest names in the sport.

“After that, he started running over opponents. He knocked them out Sean Strickland in the first round. In his UFC debut, he landed a flying knee that sent his opponent flying. In just three years, he became world champion in two divisions, something impressive and unprecedented. He has defended the light heavyweight belt several times,” he concluded.

Alex Poatán still awaiting the definition of a date for the long-awaited rematch against Magomed Ankalayev. According to the Brazilian, the duel should take place between September and November.