Adesanya ignores Aspinall and predicts Poatan as the true UFC heavyweight champion.

Israel Adesanya and Alex Poatan together at UFC 312. Photo: Instagram / UFC

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Israel Adesanya believes Alex Poatan is about to further extend his legacy in the UFC. The Brazilian faces Ciryl Gane in the co-main event of UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June 14th. Although the fight is only for the interim title, the Nigerian believes that, in case of victory, his former rival will achieve an unprecedented feat by becoming the organization's first triple champion.

In an interview with 'The MacLife', Adesanya downplayed the importance of the interim title and reinforced his confidence in Poatan's success. In the former champion's view, the Brazilian should already be treated as a champion in three different weight classes and, after a possible victory, could even headline a super fight against Jon Jones.

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"Screw the interim title. Pereira is a champion in three different weight classes. Pereira will be the champion, and then he'll have a super fight with Jon Jones ," said Israel Adesanya.

Alex Poatan seeks third UFC belt.

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

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Alex Poatan 's first UFC belt came in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). On that occasion, the Brazilian faced his biggest rival, Israel Adesanya , in the main event of UFC 281 , and knocked out the Nigerian in the fifth round, accumulating his third victory over his opponent in combat sports.

In the rematch, held at UFC 287 , Adesanya got his revenge, knocked out Poatan, and regained the title.

Exhausted by the weight cut, the Brazilian decided to move up a weight class. After defeating Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291 , he received the opportunity to fight for the light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295. Poatan knocked out the Czech fighter, won the division title (up to 93 kg), and defended it three times.

Later, he was defeated by Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 , but bounced back to reclaim the title at UFC 320. Now, with uncertainty surrounding Tom Aspinall 's return to defend the undisputed heavyweight title, Poatan faces Ciryl Gane in his debut in the division, competing for the interim title.

Israel Adesanya hasn't won since facing Alex Poatan at UFC 287.

Alex Poatan and Israel Adesanya face off in the octagon at UFC 287 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

After being defeated by Poatan twice in kickboxing and once for the UFC middleweight title (up to 83,9kg), Adesanya had another opportunity against the Brazilian at UFC 287 , held in April 2023 in Miami. This time, however, the outcome was different.

After struggling with low kicks in the first round and pressure at the start of the second, the Nigerian surprised everyone by landing a precise counter-punch that knocked out his rival, regaining the division title against his former nemesis.

However, since his victory over Poatan, Adesanya has not won again. The former champion has fought three more times and was ultimately defeated by Sean Strickland , Dricus Du Plessis , and Nassourdine Imavov , losing by unanimous decision, submission, and knockout, respectively.

Now, Adesanya has a new chance to return to winning ways. The Nigerian faces Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Seattle next Saturday (28).

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