Alex Poatan 's rematch with Magomed Ankalaev is about to become a reality, according to the Brazilian. The light heavyweight title (up to 93kg) went to the Russian after defeating Poatan in the main event of UFC 313 in March at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (USA). In a recent interview, in addition to setting a date for the fight, the former champion downplayed the hype surrounding the current titleholder.
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“We are in negotiations with the UFC. We are preparing. We'll see. Maybe around October,” Alex Poatan stated in an interview with 'The Schmo'.
It is likely that the UFC will hold two pay-per-view events when the title fights take place in October. UFC 320, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on the 4th, and a numbered card in Abu Dhabi, a less hostile territory for the current champion. Regardless of when, Poatan – who has only lost twice in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, to Israel Adesanya and the Russian – guarantees that he will not be in the octagon against the toughest opponent of his career.
“I’ve definitely faced tougher opponents. The situation itself that day ( UFC 313 ), the circumstances, made him a difficult opponent. But I’ve definitely fought people much tougher than him,” Poatan said during the interview.
The current light heavyweight champion defeated Pereira by unanimous decision in March at UFC 313 , interrupting a three-fight title defense streak for the Brazilian. The campaign is taking place amid increasing tension. Ankalaev stated on social media that Poatan was 'retired' and 'would never return,' allegations that the former champion ironically refuted.
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