Former UFC champion responds to fans after criticism of Alex Poatan's new physique: 'fat'

Alex Poatan after his defeat at UFC 313 (Photo: Instagram/UFC Canada)

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Michael Bisping expressed discomfort with the criticism directed at Alex Poatan . The Brazilian is scheduled to face Ciryl Gane at UFC Casa Branca on June 14th, in a fight that marks his heavyweight debut (up to 120,2 kg). To complete the weight class change, the fighter underwent a major physical transformation, which generated questions from fans.

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In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Bisping countered the negative comments about the Brazilian and questioned the credentials of those who criticize his physique, adopting a harsh tone in defending Poatan.

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"Who cares, all the people online who are talking shit about Alex Pereira's physique, what have they accomplished? And I guarantee they're all fat bastards," said Michael Bisping.

Check out Alex Poatan's physical conditioning in his preparation for UFC Casa Branca.

Alex Pereira continues preparing for his heavyweight debut in just under two months. How does Heavy Weight Poatan do? pic.twitter.com/XVJ32jxcIl

— Fanatics of MMA GT (@fanaticosMMAGT) April 16, 2026

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.

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