Understand how Adesanya's victory over Poatan changed both of their UFC careers.

Alex Poatán was knocked out by Israel adesanya No. UFC 287 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

Without a doubt, the victory about Alex Poatán It is one of the great milestones in his career. Israel adesanyaHowever, overcoming his greatest nemesis may have come at a high price for the Nigerian. 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 losses, Adesanya tries to get back on the winning track in the main event of UFC Seattle, scheduled for next Saturday (21), against joe pyferGiven this scenario, the team of SUPER FIGHTS prepared a timeline of the Nigerian's trajectory in relation to Alex PoatánFrom the beginning of the rivalry to its conclusion inside the octagon.

Beginning of the rivalry between Israel Adesanya and Alex Poatan

Poatan (left) facing Adesanya (right). Photo: Reproduction / Twitter

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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 281Poatan once again defeated Adesanya by technical knockout in the fifth round, a result that secured him the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg).

After three defeats, Adesanya had another opportunity against the Brazilian in 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 start 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 Poatán e Jiri Prochazka in a duel in UFC 295. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

After suffering a knockout loss to Adesanya, Alex Poatán He 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 category was against the former champion. Jan Blachowicz, at UFC 291, in July 2023, when he won by split decision. Subsequently, in UFC 295In 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 x Sean Strickland . Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ufc

While Poatan shone in the new division, Adesanya was surprised by Sean Strickland No. UFC 293In September 2023, the Nigerian was dominated for most of the fight, ultimately losing his middleweight title.

Poatan establishes himself as a star while Adesanya goes through a rough patch.

Alex Poatán causes 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 hillIn April 2024, amidst provocations, the Brazilian won by knockout in the first round with his signature left cross.

Subsequently, he was called in urgently to replace him. Conor McGregor and face it again Jiri Prochazka in the main fight of UFC 303In June 2024, Poatan once again won by knockout, solidifying his position as one of the organization's top names.

Dricus du Plessis x Israel adesanya made the main fight of the 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 ended up being finished in the fourth round, accumulating yet another defeat.

Poatan engages in a battle with Rountree, and Adesanya suffers another knockout.

Alex Poatán fight hard, win Khalil rountree by knockout and defends the belt for the third time in UFC 307. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In October 2024, Poatan defended his title against Khalil rountree No. UFC 307Despite a difficult start, the Brazilian managed to turn the fight around and won by knockout in the fourth round, achieving three title defenses in the same year, all by knockout.

Adesanya, on the other hand, had a new opportunity to bounce back against Nassourdine Imavov, in the main fight of the UFC Saudi Arabiain 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 faced questions from some fans about the level of his opponents. In response, the UFC paired the champion with... Magomed Ankalayev, a rival who, in theory, could complicate the champion's style.

The first confrontation took place in UFC 313The fight took place in March 2025 and ended with Ankalaev winning by unanimous decision. The rematch, however, came in... UFC 320In October of the same year, 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 in UFC 312 (Photo: Instagram)

Having experienced 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 fight of UFC SeattleA victory could mark the beginning of his recovery within the organization, while another setback could bring him closer to retirement.

Poatan already has a scheduled match against Cyryl Gane In the co-main event of UFC Casa Branca on June 14th, the Brazilian fighter could become the first triple champion in UFC history, also winning the undisputed heavyweight title.