Poatan celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Alex Poatan has made a significant change to his training regimen for the biggest challenge of his career, but for a special reason. Scheduled for the co-main event of UFC Casa Branca on June 14th, the Brazilian will face Ciryl Gane in a fight for the interim heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg). If he wins, the Pataxó fighter could become the first athlete to win three titles in the organization. To achieve this, he chose to begin his training camp in Sobrália, in the interior of Minas Gerais.
During an appearance on the 'Overdogs Brasil' podcast, Poatan explained that the decision is part of a kind of 'pre-camp', highlighting the importance of the adaptation period after a foot injury suffered in his last fight. The Brazilian stressed that he had never been sidelined for so long and saw the change of environment as an opportunity for physical and mental recovery.
The former champion also praised the tranquility of the place, citing the clean air, the energy of the people, and the simple lifestyle as key factors in his focus during training.
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“I think it’s a pre-camp, right? Coming here, staying here for a month. After my last fight, I injured my foot. So, I’ve never been out for so long. So, coming here, like you said, this fresh air, a different environment, you know? And the energy of the people is also very good. I felt at peace, you know? I felt relaxed there, the people were simple, respectful. Man, that’s priceless,” said Alex Poatan.
Alex Poatan seeks third UFC belt.
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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