Melk Costa doubles down and challenges Alex Poatan: 'I'm ready, let's fight'

Poatan faces his opponent before the fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Alex Poatán e Melk CostaIt seems they have become unexpected rivals in the UFC. The Brazilians They exchanged provocations. on social media after the 'Dalmatian' stated that Jon Jones He would have an advantage in a potential fight against Pataxó in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg). Given the repercussions, the featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) athlete suggested resolving the situation differently.

In a video published on social media, Melk Costa He pointed out that Poatan is upset about the recent incident and admitted that he doesn't feel capable of facing the Pataxó fighter in a striking exchange, but proposed a grappling duel as an alternative.

See too

Charles Oliveira's trainer will box bare-knuckle at Hype FC Brazil in April.

Chael Sonnen opens his heart in criticizing Islam Makhachev: 'He lacks enthusiasm'

Revenge! Renato Moicano reiterates his desire to face Brian Ortega after the cancellation of his UFC fight.

“Poatan is upset with me, and that’s fine, so let’s do this: I can’t handle a fistfight, because it would be bad for me, but if you want to do some grappling… Hello Hype (event), you can call me, I’m ready, let’s go Poatan, let’s fight each other in a grappling match.”, he said. Melk Costa.

#grappling
Let's fight!!! pic.twitter.com/RkzIFFDdGp

— “” (@MelkCostaCauthy) April 2, 2026

Alex Poatan seeks third UFC belt.

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

The first belt of Alex Poatán In the UFC, he competed in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). On that occasion, the Brazilian faced his biggest rival, Israel adesanya, in the main fight of the 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 in UFC 287Adesanya got his revenge, knocked out Poatan, and regained the title.

Exhausted from the weight cut, the Brazilian decided to move up a weight class. After winning Jan Blachowicz No. UFC 291, received the opportunity to compete for the light heavyweight belt against Jiri Prochazka, at UFC 295Poatan knocked out the Czech fighter, won the division title (up to 93 kg), and defended it three times.

Later, it was surpassed by Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 313, but turned things around by regaining the throne in UFC 320Now, given the uncertainty surrounding the return of Tom aspinall To defend his undisputed heavyweight title, Poatan faces Cyryl Gane In his debut in the category, competing for the interim title.