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

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Alex Poatan and Melk Costa , it seems, have become unexpected rivals in the UFC. The Brazilians exchanged taunts on social media after the 'Dalmatian' stated that Jon Jones would have an advantage in a potential fight against the Pataxó in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg). Given the reaction, the featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) fighter suggested resolving the situation differently.

In a video posted on social media, Melk Costa 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 match, but proposed a grappling duel as an alternative.

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“Poatan is upset with me, and that’s fine, so let’s do this: I can’t handle a hand-to-hand fight, 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.”, said Melk Costa.

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

— “” (@MelkCostaCauthy) April 2, 2026

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Alex Poatan seeks third UFC belt.

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

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.