Alex Poatan encourages his friend and coach Plínio Cruz to return to fighting and makes a bet.

Poatan and Plinio on an international trip. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/pliniocruzmma

If it depends on Alex PoatánHis sons won't be the only members of his team fighting soon. Despite being focused on UFC Casa Branca, an event taking place on June 14th in Washington, the former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion is also showing a willingness to reintroduce Plínio Cruz, his friend and coach, to the competitive scene.

Despite the veteran being out of action since 2019, Poatan encouraged him to return to fighting. It's worth remembering that before working as a coach and reaching his peak, Plínio was a professional MMA fighter, competing in 17 fights and losing more than he won (nine losses against eight wins).

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However, the UFC star, who accompanies his friend to training daily, believes that Plínio, visibly thinner, would be successful in boxing if he decided to fight YouTubers and celebrities. In fact, Plínio himself hinted that he is negotiating his return to fighting.

“I told him. He really needs to do an influencer boxing match. But he's a real fighter, take on a good guy. He's doing really well. I fully support him doing a boxing match, making some good money,” the fighter said in an interview with the YouTube channel 'The Ariel Helwani Show'.

“Plinio has a name. I'm motivating him. He's losing weight, and that's it, let's have a little fight. He's doing well, he's tough, he's a southpaw. You have to be careful with him,” he concluded.

Terror of former champions

Alex PoatánThe 38-year-old fighter made his name in kickboxing with Glory and debuted in the UFC in 2021. From there, the Brazilian experienced a meteoric rise, becoming one of the organization's main stars.

It's no coincidence that the athlete won the middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) belts. Furthermore, the renowned striker has a record that includes defeating former champions. Israel adesanya, Jamahal hill, Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka (twice), Magomed Ankalayev e Sean Strickland.