Alex Poatan opens up about his contract and reveals a long career in the UFC: 'They took good care of me'

Alex Poatan at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Alex Poatan has good news for those who believe that the quest for a third belt could mark the end of his MMA career. The Brazilian returns to the octagon in the co-main event of UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June 14th, when he faces Ciryl Gane in a fight for the interim heavyweight title (up to 120,2kg). Regardless of the result, the Pataxó fighter still has a long road ahead in the organization.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Poatan revealed that he signed a new contract with the UFC for eight fights. According to the Brazilian, the agreement was very favorable and demonstrates the organization's care for his career, to the point that he allows the company the freedom to decide his next steps. According to the former champion, the fight against Gane marks the first commitment of the new contract.

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“They took very good care of me. The contract was so good that I left it open for them to do whatever they want… There are eight fights, this is the first one,” said Alex Poatan.

Poatan could make history with a third UFC belt.

Poatan celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

PUBLICITY:

After winning the middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) belts, Alex Poatan can now make history as the first fighter to win titles in three different weight classes in the UFC. Although the belt at stake at UFC Casa Branca is the interim heavyweight title, the achievement would not lose its significance if the Brazilian wins.

That's because Tom Aspinall , the current champion in the category, also initially reached the top as the interim title holder and was only promoted to undisputed champion after Jon Jones announced his retirement in June 2025.

Another detail involving Aspinall's reign is that the Briton did not have his arm raised in his first title defense. In the duel against Ciryl Gane , at UFC 321, the fight ended in a no contest after the Frenchman poked the champion in the eye, which stopped the fight.

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