Favored? Russo claims UFC hired Poatan's 'friend' only because of the Brazilian's influence

Yousri Belgaroui is Alex Poatan's main sparring partner. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @yousriofficial

Azamat Bekoev, who faces Yousri Belgaroui at UFC Vancouver next Saturday (18), raised controversy by stating that his opponent was only scheduled for the fight because he is Alex Poatan's training partner. In an interview with 'MMA Fighting', the Russian said he believes that the Ultimate 'would be punishing' Belgaroui.

Bekoev claimed that the UFC had placed Belgaroui, a former Glory Kickboxing champion, in his fight as a form of 'punishment' for him being nominated by Poatan.

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"I think Pereira wanted to push this guy into the UFC because he's a striker and couldn't finish him on the Contender Series. That's why the UFC didn't want to sign him, but I think Pereira was begging or pleading, I don't know. That's why they put him in this fight; maybe they want to punish him. That's my opinion," he stated.

In addition to the controversy surrounding the hiring, Bekoev also provoked Poatan and Belgaroui.

“After the fight, I'm going to send a message to Poatan: 'don't call me,'” he said, making a pun on the Brazilian's famous phrase.

Yousri Belgaroui had two stints on the Contender Series before being signed by the UFC. His first attempt resulted in a decision loss; his second, a victory, failed to convince Dana White, who cited penalties for illegal strikes as a reason for caution.