Marcos Parrumpinha believes that Alex Poatan will be very different in his rematch against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, scheduled for next Saturday (4). The Brazilian will face the Dagestani again after the defeat at UFC 313. However, this time, the American Top Team coach is attentive to the signs and is confident in a new version of the Pataxó.
During an appearance on the Overdogs Brasil podcast, Marcos Parrumpinha reiterated that he always considered Magomed Ankalaev the toughest opponent for Alex Poatan . The coach pointed to factors such as the Russian's fighting style and the fact that he is southpaw as obstacles for the Brazilian. However, even so, he still believed in the victory of the former Glory champion in the first fight.
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"Ankalaev, in my opinion, is and always has been Poatan's toughest opponent, because of his game, his left-handedness, and his wrestling. For countless reasons, I always thought Ankalaev would be Poatan's toughest fight. But even so, I thought Poatan would win that fight... I was wrong," said Parrumpinha.
Parrumpinha added that, although the fight was evenly matched, Poatan's performance in the first bout showed he wasn't at 100% physical condition. In the coach's view, the Brazilian approaches the rematch as if it were his first title fight, motivated to prove his worth.
"I still think it's a very close fight, but after seeing Poatan's performance in that fight and understanding that he wasn't 100%, after talking to Glover, I felt like Poatan is as if this were his first title fight. He's out to prove it. He's pissed, not because he lost, but because he couldn't perform," concluded the coach.
Alex Poatan faces Ankalaev in a rematch at UFC 320
Magomed Ankalaev did not let Alex Poatan 's provocations go unanswered (Photo: Instagram/UFC)
Alex Poatan and Magomed Ankalaev first faced each other at UFC 313 in March 2025. On that occasion, the Brazilian was unable to unleash his aggressiveness in the stand-up fight and ended up losing 48-47 according to two judges and 49-46 according to another. The expectation is that, in the new confrontation, the Pataxó fighter will be able to put his striking game into practice and reclaim the belt.
Glover Teixeira reveals problems in Alex Poatan's preparation for UFC 313
Glover Teixeira revealed that Poatan had health problems during his preparation to face Magomed Ankalaev . According to the coach, the Brazilian couldn't be pushed too hard in training and, as a result, had to "catch up" in the last week, which may have led to a case of overtraining.
"I'll tell you the truth. I think Poatan exceeded his training limit in his last fight. He trained less because he got sick in Australia, he wasn't training properly, because he has to cut back. The guy was sick, and if you push him, he'll get worse. We worked on technique... Then, in that last week, the weight was higher. Poatan was feeling good, so he trained too much last week," the coach said in an interview with the 'Overdogs Podcast'.
Now, Alex Poatan will have the chance to prove that health problems were the difference in his first duel against Magomed Ankalaev . The Brazilian faces the Russian in a rematch in the main event of UFC 320, scheduled for next Saturday (4).
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