Poatan thanks Chimaev, but rules out UFC champion superfight after challenge

Poatan celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

It's no secret that Alex Poatan is one of the athletes who most enjoys fighting, but a specific fight isn't on his agenda. With the knockout he delivered to Magomed Ankalaev this Saturday (4), in Las Vegas (USA), the Brazilian became the UFC light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) again and became the target of an old acquaintance: Khamzat Chimaev. Quick on the trigger, the veteran has already spoken out.

After UFC 320, the Russian middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), made a point of using his official 'X' profile to congratulate Poatan on his victory and took the opportunity to openly express his desire to face him at light heavyweight. In response at the press conference, the Brazilian politely thanked the Russian but declined the challenge.

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It's true that, in the past, Chimaev and Poatan exchanged constant and public provocations. At the height of their rivalry, Khamzat vowed to crush the Brazilian. Angered, Alex called the Russian to fight in Brazil. However, now, the renowned striker's interest isn't in having 'Borz' as an opponent, but rather the heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg), seeking his third title in a division other than the UFC.

Interaction between Chimaev and Poatan

"Alex, congratulations. Now we need to finish our business," wrote the UFC middleweight champion.

@AlexPereiraUFC Congrats, now we need to finish our business

— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) October 5, 2025

"Thanks for the congratulations, but I want a superfight like I said. I want to fight at heavyweight. So, I just want to say thanks for the congratulations," replied the UFC light heavyweight champion.

Poatan's main victories

In the UFC since 2021, Alex Poatan has experienced a meteoric rise in MMA, shining in the octagon. The Brazilian was champion in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, defeating big names in the sport such as Israel Adesanya, Jamahal Hill, Jan Błachowicz, Jiri Prochazka (twice), Khalil Rountree Jr., Magomed Ankalaev, and Sean Strickland.