Summary
Ales Poatan (left) was challenged by Khamzat Shimaev (dir.). Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
Glover Teixeira there is no doubt that Alex Poatán would emerge victorious in a possible confrontation against Khamzat ShimaevSince winning the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg), the Chechen wolf has already... publicly expressed The desire to move up a weight class to compete in a super fight against the Brazilian. For the coach of the current light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg), however, this move would be a big mistake.
In an interview with PVT, Glover Teixeira He assessed that the duel had a high chance of ending in a knockout in favor of Poatan. In the former champion's view, Chimaev could even succeed in a takedown if he timed it perfectly, but he highlighted the difference in technical level and, especially, the Brazilian's positioning on his feet. According to him, the power and precision of the champion's strikes would make the difference in the first few minutes.
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“It would be a knockout, man. Maybe (Chimaev) would take him down if he timed it right, but it’s another level. Poatan is on a different level. He has a different position, there’s no point in me saying it: action speaks louder than words. But what I think is that, firstly, he’s going to take some punches, and Poatan’s hand is very hard. That jab hurts more than a straight right from many fighters. Then, if he grabs the cage, he won’t take him down. So, I think Poatan would knock him out in the third round, if it went to the third,” he said. Glover Teixeira.
Although he has no plans to see Poatan sharing the octagon with Chimaev, Glover also commented on the psychological aspect of the potential fight. According to the coach, there's a natural desire, driven by competitive ego, to see Poatan deliver a dominant victory.
“Because of our ego, we want Poatan to beat him up. It’s not a matter of having anything against anyone, but we want the guy to tone it down. Most fighters come from humble families, but there comes a point where some can’t handle fame. We always root for those guys to get their asses kicked, but Poatan is on another level in terms of fame. He’s already defended the belt a few times and has said he’s going to move up to heavyweight,” he stated. Glover Teixeira.
Who should be Alex Poatan's next opponent in the UFC?
The uncertainty surrounding the future of Alex Poatán It directly depends on the weight class in which the Brazilian will compete. If the champion decides to move up to heavyweight, the fighter himself has already made it clear that the name that generates the most interest is... Jon Jones, Tom aspinall He emerges as a concrete alternative, especially as he is the current title holder in the division, while Cyril Gane also appears as a possible opponent, due to the uncertainty surrounding the Briton's return.
Among light heavyweights, the range of options remains open. Carlos Ulberg He is emerging as a strong contender for the next challenger position, boosted by his winning streak and current form in the category. Another name gaining traction is that of... Khamzat Shimaev, who is threatening to leave the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg) to headline a super fight against Poatan.
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