Summary
Alex Poatan was knocked out by Israel Adesanya at UFC 287 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)
Without a doubt, the victory over Alex Poatan is one of the great milestones in Israel Adesanya 's career . However, overcoming his greatest nemesis may have cost the Nigerian dearly. After three defeats to the Brazilian in combat sports, the former champion finally managed to beat his rival in April 2023. Since then, however, 'The Last Stylebander' has not tasted victory again, while he watches the Pataxó build an increasingly solid legacy in the UFC.
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Experiencing, for the first time in his career, a sequence of three consecutive defeats, Adesanya tries to get back on the winning track in the main fight of UFC Seattle , scheduled for next Saturday (21), against Joe Pyfer . Given this scenario, the SUPER LUTAS team has prepared a timeline of the Nigerian's trajectory in relation to Alex Poatan , from the beginning of the rivalry to the outcome inside the octagon.
Beginning of the rivalry between Israel Adesanya and Alex Poatan
Poatan (left) facing Adesanya (right). Photo: Reproduction / Twitter
Before the confrontation that redefined the history between the two, it's necessary to go back a few years to understand how the rivalry arose and gained global proportions.
The first encounter took place in 2016 at Glory of Heroes 1, when Poatan prevailed after three rounds, winning by unanimous decision. The following year, in 2017, at Glory of Heroes 15 in China, the Brazilian significantly extended his advantage by knocking out Adesanya with a left cross in the third round, solidifying his status as a nemesis even in kickboxing.
Years later, already in MMA, the rivalry gained new chapters. In November 2022, at UFC 281 , Poatan once again defeated Adesanya by technical knockout in the fifth round, a result that secured him the middleweight title (up to 83,9kg).
After three defeats, Adesanya had another opportunity against the Brazilian at UFC 287 , held in April 2023 in Miami. This time, the outcome was different. After struggling with low kicks in the first round and pressure at the beginning of the second, the Nigerian found a precise counter-punch and knocked out his rival, regaining the division title against his former nemesis.
Poatan announces weight class change after loss at UFC 287.
Alex Poatan and Jiri Prochazka in a duel at UFC 295. Photo: Reproduction/UFC
After suffering a knockout loss to Adesanya, Alex Poatan revealed that he would no longer compete in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg), mainly due to the strain caused by the weight cut. The Brazilian decided to move up to light heavyweight (up to 93 kg).
His debut in the new weight class took place against former champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291 in July 2023, when he won by split decision. Following that, at UFC 295 in November of the same year, Poatan knocked out Jiri Prochazka and won the vacant light heavyweight title.
Israel Adesanya loses the belt to Sean Strickland.
Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland . Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ufc
While Poatan was shining in the new division, Adesanya was surprised by Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023. Dominated for most of the fight, the Nigerian ended up defeated and lost the middleweight belt.
Poatan establishes himself as a star while Adesanya goes through a rough patch.
Alex Poatan taunts Jamahal Hill after victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
After winning his second UFC title, Poatan defended his light heavyweight belt for the first time in the main event of the historic UFC 300 , against Jamahal Hill , in April 2024. Amidst taunts, the Brazilian won by knockout in the first round with his signature left hook.
Subsequently, he was called in at the last minute to replace Conor McGregor and face Jiri Prochazka again in the main event of UFC 303 in June 2024. Once again, Poatan won by knockout, solidifying his position as one of the organization's top names.
Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya headlined UFC 305. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC
Adesanya, after his loss to Strickland, was sidelined for almost a year. Upon his return, he fought for the title against Dricus Du Plessis , but despite some good early moments, he was submitted in the fourth round, accumulating another defeat.
Poatan engages in a battle with Rountree, and Adesanya suffers another knockout.
Alex Poatan puts up a tough fight, defeats Khalil Rountree by knockout, and defends his title for the third time at UFC 307. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In October 2024, Poatan defended his title against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307. Despite a difficult start, the Brazilian managed to turn the fight around and won by knockout in the fourth round, achieving three title defenses that year, all by knockout.
Adesanya, on the other hand, had another opportunity to bounce back against Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia in February 2025. After a good first round, the Nigerian was knocked out by the Frenchman, marking his third consecutive defeat.
Poatan faces a new rivalry in the UFC.
Poatan and Ankalaev face off before their UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC_Brasil
After defeating Rountree, Poatan began to be questioned by some of the public about the level of his opponents. In response, the UFC matched the champion with Magomed Ankalaev , a rival who, in theory, could challenge the champion's style.
The first confrontation took place at UFC 313 in March 2025, and ended with Ankalaev winning by unanimous decision. The rematch, however, came at UFC 320 in October of the same year, when Poatan responded by knocking out the Russian in just 80 seconds, regaining the belt.
After the victory, the Brazilian made it clear that he wants to move up to the heavyweight category (up to 120,2 kg).
Poatan could make history while Adesanya seeks redemption.
Adesanya and Poatan side by side at UFC 312 (Photo: Instagram)
Experiencing contrasting fortunes since their last encounter, Adesanya and Poatan are reaching a crucial stage in their careers. The Nigerian faces Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Seattle , and a victory could mark the beginning of his recovery in the organization, while another defeat could bring him closer to retirement.
Poatan is scheduled to fight Ciryl Gane in the co-main event of UFC Casa Branca on June 14th. If he wins, the Brazilian could become the first triple champion in UFC history, also winning the undisputed heavyweight title.
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