Poatan surprises during a face-off with Ankalaev: 'I won't go back to the tire shop'

Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Poatan during a face-off at a press conference. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Present at a press conference held on Thursday night (02), Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Poatan were there to answer some questions from reporters and fans before the anticipated confrontation this Saturday (04), at UFC 320. In addition to provoking each other during answers and further heating up the rivalry, what really stood out was the moment of the face-off.

Face to face before the energized crowd, the fighters didn't look away, and suddenly, Poatan launched into another provocation, surprising Ankalaev and declaring: "I'm not going back to the tire shop" (watch below). The Russian refused to remain silent, but his response remained inaudible. After the staredown ended, the light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) responded to the crowd by saying, "Don't call me."

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Poatan's remarks stem from Ankalaev's constant reminiscing about the Brazilian's past, where he worked in a tire shop before becoming a martial artist. According to the Russian, his rival will return to his role after potentially another defeat in the Octagon.

Álex Poatan delivers a kick to Magomed Ankalaev . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC Español

PUBLICITY:

UFC 320 protagonists Ankalaev and Poatan have a long-awaited rematch this Saturday (04), in a dispute for the light heavyweight belt. A big favorite in the bookmakers, the Russian promises to knock out the challenger before the fourth round. The Brazilian guarantees that his posture will be different and that this time he is 100%, unlike the first meeting, which according to him, was at 40.

Watch the face-off between Ankalaev and Poatan

ANKALAEV vs PEREIRA! #UFC320 is LIVE SATURDAY on @espn PPV! pic.twitter.com/TT51c5N2Yw

— danawhite (@danawhite) October 3, 2025

The rematch is only two days away @AnkalaevM vs @AlexPereiraUFC

[ #UFC320 | SATURDAY 10pmET | LIVE on @ESPN PPV ] pic.twitter.com/LfCVnRtY97

— UFC (@ufc) October 3, 2025

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