Summary
Poatan at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Owner of the UFC light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg) and the company's main media figure since his victorious rematch against Magomed Ankalaev , Alex Poatan's main objective is to win an unprecedented third belt in 2026. However, an unexpected duel may be about to happen in the Brazilian's career. According to Rizvan Magomedov, the main manager of names like Islam Makhachev , there are negotiations for the São Paulo native to face Shara Bullet in a grappling match.
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Without going into further detail about the negotiations for the fight with the Brazilian, the agent highlighted that these appearances are a way to keep the athlete active, since it is not possible to secure fights for the Russian on American soil, given the athlete's health condition, as he is blind in one eye.
“I think Shara is quietly making the transition from striker to wrestler . Meanwhile, regarding his fight, we are waiting for a date, ideally. An event in the Middle East or somewhere else. Since, for obvious reasons, he cannot compete in the United States. And he is filling this free time with this type of fight. But it will be interesting to watch the fight. They are essentially two strikers , two specialized strikers who will (fight on the ground)… Negotiations are ongoing,” Rizvan told the 'Sport 24' portal last Sunday (8).
Rizvan Magomedov confirms they are currently in talks for Shara Bullet to wrestle Alex Pereira… 👀
Via @sport24 pic.twitter.com/Eqtba54DQ2
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 8, 2026
Away from the octagon since his victory against Canadian Marc-André Barriault last July, the Russian Pirate drew in a grappling match against Arman Tsarukyan at the end of December. Recently, he suffered his first professional defeat in a fight against Michael Page.
Shara Bullet focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Poatan has already shown interest in competing in grapple
Plinio Cruz alongside Alex Poatan after UFC 300. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @pliniocruzmma
Despite having established himself in the world of combat sports as a two-time Glory Kickboxing champion even before his UFC debut, Poatan has been feeling increasingly comfortable venturing into other disciplines. Last year, amidst a series of taunts with Khamzat Chimaev , he even challenged the Chechen to a submission grappling match in a video posted on social media. Although he lacks competitive grappling credentials, the fighter received his black belt in Jiu-Jitsu from Glover Teixeira in 2024 after knocking out Jamahal Hill.
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