VIDEO: After triumph against Magomed Ankalaev, Alex Poatan visits tire shop with UFC belt

After his victory against Magomed Ankalaev, Alex Poatan returns to the tire shop where he used to work. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

After securing victory last Saturday (4) in one of the most intense rivalries of his entire illustrious career, Alex Poatan landed in Brazil and decided to make a very special visit this Thursday (9). Without forgetting his origins, the light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) took the Ultimate belt on a visit to the tire shop where he worked before his fame in the world of combat sports, in São Paulo.

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The visit was recorded in a video published on Instagram people from São Paulo. Now a resident of Connecticut, Poatan emphasized that he always goes there when he visits Brazil, and he also takes the opportunity to take a dig at his last opponent.

"As promised, I said I'd return to the tire shop after the fight. Ankalaev was right. We're here today, making our presence felt, as always. Whenever I come to Brazil, I come here and visit this tire shop because it's a place with a very beautiful history. It's a call!" said the Brazilian.

Alex Pereira revisits the tire shop he once worked in, this time with UFC gold on his shoulder

(via @AlexPereiraUFC ) pic.twitter.com/kHmXkUH72c

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 9, 2025

The animosity between the two fighters grew increasingly intense in the months leading up to the rematch. Among several provocations exchanged, the Russian even stated that he would make the Brazilian return to the tire shop, clearly in a derogatory tone.

Alex Poatan had to overcome several challenges while working at the tire shop

Poatan with his children at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Poatan took his first steps into the world of martial arts while working there. Besides evolving as a kickboxer, the São Paulo native also had to overcome his alcohol addiction, which proved to be the athlete's greatest challenge. He has stated on several occasions that his initial goal in combat sports was simply to completely break free from alcoholism, as cachaça consumption had been a part of his life since his youth.