Israel Adesanya is rooting for Alex Poatan at UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June 14th. The Brazilian, who starred in one of the biggest rivalries in recent MMA history with the Nigerian, will have the opportunity to win an unprecedented third belt in the Ultimate Fighting Championship when he faces Ciryl Gane . For the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg), the mission for the Brazilian is difficult, but perfectly possible.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Adesanya analyzed the fight and highlighted that Gane represents a dangerous challenge, especially because of his movement and knockout ability. Even so, the Nigerian believes that Poatan also possesses enough power to finish the fight before the end.
According to him, despite the Frenchman's high level, the Brazilian is fully capable of winning and even achieving victory by knockout.
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“I hope Alex wins. That would be crazy, and Gane is no joke. Gane can dance around him and also knock him out. But I think Alex can knock him out too,” said Poatan.
Rivalry between Israel Adesanya and Alex Poatan
Poatan attacks Adesanya in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Alex Poatan and Israel Adesanya were protagonists in one of the greatest rivalries in recent combat sports history. The first chapter took place in kickboxing, when the two faced each other twice at the Glory event. On both occasions, the Brazilian came out on top, defeating the Nigerian first by judges' decision and then by knockout in the rematch.
After his second loss to Poatan, Adesanya decided to transition to MMA. In the UFC, the Nigerian built a dominant career, winning the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg) and establishing himself as one of the greatest champions in the division's history. However, fate brought the rivals together again when Poatan also arrived in the UFC and, after only three wins in the organization, earned the chance to fight for the title against his former opponent, winning again by knockout.
The rivalry, however, took a new turn shortly after. In an immediate rematch, Israel Adesanya managed to get his revenge and knocked out the Brazilian in the second round, regaining the middleweight title.
Alex Poatan could become a triple UFC champion.
Alex Poatan is a former UFC light heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
After losing the middleweight title to Adesanya, Poatan decided to move up to the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg). In the new category, the Brazilian had a rapid rise, won the title and became one of the biggest stars in the UFC.
Now, after relinquishing the division's belt, Poatan is preparing for a new historic challenge: facing Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg). If he wins, the Brazilian could become champion in three different weight classes in the UFC.
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