Poatan denies a trilogy with Ankalaev in case of victory and points to the ideal rival for the next fight

Alex Poatan entering a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

With exactly one month to go until UFC 320, Alex Poatan and Magomed Ankalaev have entered the final stretch of preparation for their highly anticipated rematch for the light heavyweight title (up to 93kg). Despite their rivalry both inside and outside the octagon, their story seems to be nearing its end.

In his quest to reclaim the title in his weight class, Poatan made it clear that, should he win on October 4th, a tie-breaker trilogy doesn't interest him. In fact, according to the Brazilian, another athlete is already on his radar for a potential first title defense after Ankalaev: Carlos Ulberg.

See too

Jiu-jitsu vs. Wrestling! Rodolfo Vieira has a fight scheduled against Bo Nickal at UFC 322

Paulo Borrachinha faces 'pirate' Shara Magomedov in the co-main event of UFC Qatar

Poatan explains pause before rematch with Ankalaev and criticizes performance in first fight: 'Shit'

"Ankalaev should be ruled out (of a trilogy). I've already fought Khalil (Rountree) and Jiri (Prochazka) twice. So, (if I win the rematch against Ankalaev), it would be interesting to fight Ulberg," Poatan said in an interview with Ariel Helwani.

Carlos Ulberg (left) is in Alex Poatan's sights. Photo: Instagram/UFC.

PUBLICITY:

Scheduled for the main event of UFC Perth, which takes place on September 27th, Carlos Ulberg, currently ranked second in the division, prepares to face Dominick Reyes next. Riding an eight-fight winning streak, the athlete defeated former champion Jan Blachowicz in his last appearance in the octagon.

Hailing from New Zealand, Ulberg is a training partner of Israel Adesanya. At 34 years old, the fighter is known for his technical striking style and strategic approach during his UFC fights. His only loss came in his UFC debut, when he was knocked out by Kennedy Nzechukwu in 2021.