Alex Poatán sees no reason to talk about a decline in hype. Even after being defeated by Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 313, in March of this year, the Brazilian states that he remains popular with the public and sponsors. In an interview with 'The Ariel Helwani Show,' the former light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) assured that the defeat did not affect his image and that, in fact, it generated more visibility.
"Even though I lost now, I didn't feel that way from fans or sponsors. I renewed contracts after I lost. Different contracts, it's hard to believe. The same goes for the fans. I gained followers and have affection from my fans wherever I go. Honestly, I didn't feel that way," the fighter declared.
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Poatan returns to the octagon at UFC 320 on October 4 in Las Vegas, in a rematch against Ankalaev, once again with the 93 kg belt on the line.
In the first confrontation between the two, Ankalaev won by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47 and 49-46) by betting on a strategy of pressure on the fence and controlling the pace, which ended up nullifying Alex's traditional aggressiveness.
Has Alex Poatan lost his hype?
Since the defeat, there have been analyses and criticisms about the Brazilian's possible loss of aura. Matt Brown stated that the defeat 'humanized' Poatan, while Henry Cejudo questioned the Brazilian's focus outside the octagon.
Yes, Dricus Du Plessis, former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), joked that 'Alex's aura is gone' and that, according to him, it made him lose his reputation as the most feared fighter in the Ultimate.
Poatan, however, remains confident and believes that the seven-month break between fights will be decisive in showing a new version at UFC 320. The Brazilian has already entered the octagon four times in 2024, with three title defenses and a historical record for the shortest interval between three consecutive defenses (175 days).
Read More about: Alex Poatán, Magomed Ankalayev, UFC, UFC 313, UFC 320
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