Heavyweight Reinforcement! Alex Poatan Trains With Brazilian Giant in Preparation for UFC Casa Branca

Alex Poatan entering the octagon. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Alex Poatan has received a significant boost to his preparation for his fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June 14th. The Brazilian will face the Frenchman in the co-main event, in a bout for the interim heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg). Seeking to have his arm raised and win his third title in the organization, 'Pataxó' has recruited Tallison Xicão to join his training camp.

In a video posted on social media, Poatan is seen exchanging combinations with Xicão under the watchful eye of Glover Teixeira . The training takes place at the Teixeira MMA academy in Connecticut, United States, indicating that the Brazilian has entered the final stretch of his preparation, after starting his camp in Sobrália, Minas Gerais.

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Watch Alex Poatan and Tallison Xicão's training session.

Talisson Xicão joined the #PoatanFriends group.

Now he's well-trained to beat Pavlovich???? pic.twitter.com/SzlaUKQrfY

— José Louis (@concatenarsim) May 5, 2026

Alex Poatan seeks third UFC belt.

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

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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.