Alex Poatan downplays Ankalaev's coach's provocation and responds: 'He's in for a surprise'

Ankalaev faces Poatan in UFC 313 (Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS)

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Alex Poatán can deliver a big surprise to the coach Magomed Ankalayev at UFC 320, scheduled for next Saturday (4). Sukhrab Magomedov, the main person responsible for preparing the Russian, disdained the Brazilian's level in stand-up fighting, which for the Pataxó sounds like nothing more than provocation or an escape from reality.

In a video posted on the UFC's official YouTube channel, Sukhrab Magomedov called the Brazilian's technique "standard" and outdated. Furthermore, the Russian believes the former champion lacks speed and only possesses a heavy hand, lacking knockout power.

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Alex Poatan denies animosity towards Magomed Ankalaev, but says: 'He doesn't deserve respect'

"Alex Pereira can't surprise us with anything. His technique is standard, his striking is standard. He's an old kickboxer, he lacks speed. Heavy-handed? Alex has punch, but not the kind that can knock you out," said the coach.

In response, Poatan stated that the Russian's words are just a way to promote the fight and assured that, if this really is the mentality of Ankalaev's team, they will be surprised next Saturday.

"Of course, it's just talk. He saw it in my fight with Ankalaev, but he also saw it in every other fight. I mean, even the referee said (in the Rountree fight) that in 30 years he'd never seen anything like it. But that's okay, let him think that. It'll be a surprise for him," Poatan said in an interview with MMA Junkie.

Poatan at UFC 320

Next Saturday (4), the Brazilian returns to the octagon to try to recover the light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg) against Magomed Ankalayev, in the main fight of UFC 320. Former champion of the category, Poatan is considered one of the most feared names in the organization, thanks to his accuracy and knockout power.