Ankalaev disregards Poatan's takedown defense training and warns he will settle the fight on the feet at UFC 320

Alex Poatán e Magomed Ankalayev staring down before the fight (Photo: Instagram)

The rivalry between Magomed Ankalayev e Alex Poatán A new chapter took place this Sunday (31), after the Russian reacted to a video published on social media, in which the Brazilian appears training takedown defense. In a provocative tone, the UFC light heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg) used his official account on X (formerly Twitter) to send a direct message to the challenger and rival in UFC 320..

"You don't need to worry about wrestling. I'll find that big head again," Ankalaev wrote.

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Magomed's message went viral on social media, especially due to the suggestion that the rematch would be resolved through striking, a terrain in which Poatan feels most comfortable.

The highly anticipated rematch between Poatan and Ankalaev is scheduled for... UFC 320, on October 4th, seven months after the first meeting, which took place in UFC 313, in March of this year. On that occasion, the Russian prevailed in a lukewarm but effective fight, securing the light heavyweight belt by unanimous decision after five rounds of study and caution.

The fight was criticized by some fans and even UFC president Dana White, who demanded more action from the fighters. Since then, Poatan has promised to be a "much better" version of himself for the second fight.

On the Russian side, the narrative remains firm. Confident in the strategy that took him to the top of the division, Ankalaev downplays his rival's wrestling training and bets on a more forceful outcome.

Magomed Ankalayev reacts to video of Alex Pereira working on his takedown defense ahead of their rematch

“You don't need to worry about wrestling I'm gonna find this big head again.” #UFC320 pic.twitter.com/beelfHz8ij

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 31, 2025