Chimaev and Poatan are UFC stars. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/homeoffight
Alex Poatan 's manager , Ed Soares, doesn't believe Khamzat Chimaev deserves to face his client in the UFC. After winning the middleweight title (up to 83,9kg), 'Lobo' publicly expressed his desire to face the Brazilian. However, according to the Pataxó fighter's agent, the possibility of this fight is far from becoming a reality.
In an interview with The Ariel Helwani Show, Ed Soares criticized Chimaev's attitude and argued that the Russian should focus his efforts on defending his title before considering a fight against Poatan. Furthermore, the promoter assessed that the provocations made by the grappling specialist are primarily aimed at attracting attention and maintaining his visibility.
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"I think Alex (Poatan) is already training now. He's ready to fight. I'd like to see him maybe at the beginning of the second quarter, potentially. I don't know for sure, we haven't defined anything yet, neither me nor him."
But I can tell you one thing about (Khamzat) Chimaev: go defend your belt first, brother. He hasn't even defended the middleweight title yet. I think he's trying to create something… and who wouldn't try?
"Alex is currently the biggest active star in MMA. So, everyone wants to provoke something, instigate some situation, because when you talk about Poatan, people pay attention. Apart from that, nobody really pays attention to him (Chimaev), except when Alex is mentioned," said Ed Soares.
Alex Poatan at UFC 327?
Despite Khamzat Chimaev 's expressed desire , Alex Poatan seems to have other plans for the near future. The Brazilian fighter publicly ruled out the possibility of competing at UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June, which intensified rumors that he may be the main attraction at UFC 327, scheduled for April 11 in Miami.
To date, however, Poatan still does not have a defined opponent for the date. Among fans, three scenarios appear as the most discussed: a super fight against Jon Jones in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg); a duel against Ciryl Gane for the interim belt of the category, given the uncertainty about the return of Tom Aspinall ; or a title defense in the light heavyweight division against Carlos Ulberg.
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