Poatan celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Alex Poatan , it seems, has already adapted to the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg). The Brazilian debuted in the category against Ciryl Gane , in the co-main event of UFC Casa Branca , in a fight valid for the interim belt. To further acclimate to the new division, he intensified his training alongside Tallison Xicão, who has been experiencing firsthand the firepower of the 'Pataxó' fighter.
In a video posted on Instagram, Poatan is seen sparring with Tallison Xicão, under the watchful eye of Glover Teixeira . In the footage, the former light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) dominates the center of the mat, while his compatriot mimics Gane's movements, exploring the corners.
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In one of the key moments of the recording, Poatan manages to corner Xicão and unleashes his powerful right hand, which even manages to rock the Brazilian giant.
Watch Alex Poatan and Tallison Xicão's training session.
🤯💥 Alex Pereira looks good while sparring taller No.15 Heavyweight Tallison Teixeira.
Looks like he will do just fine at Heavyweight. pic.twitter.com/pFZ2fymTOx
— Full Mount MMA (@MMAFullMount) May 12, 2026
Alex Poatan seeks third UFC belt.
Alex Poatan after his defeat at UFC 313 (Photo: Instagram UFC Canada)
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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