Alex Poatan downplays changes after moving up a weight class in the UFC: 'I only added to my weight class, I didn't lose anything'

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

PUBLICITY:

Alex Poatan believes he will not experience a drop in performance in his heavyweight debut (up to 120,2 kg). The Brazilian, former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion, will be in action at UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June 14th, when he faces Ciryl Gane for the division's interim belt. Despite the considerable gain in muscle mass, the fighter assures that he will not be slower inside the octagon.

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Poatan highlighted that the change in weight class has been positive, mainly due to the absence of restrictions on weight cutting, which allows him to maintain a more balanced diet. According to the Brazilian, his performance remains the same.

“Regarding moving up to heavyweight, it’s good because there are no restrictions. I’ve been eating clean and eating well. It’s been fun. In terms of performance, I feel exactly the same,” Poatan explained.

See too

Historic! Netflix event breaks UFC viewership records.

Exclusive: Renato Moicano reveals his favorite fight at his MMA event: 'Lula-supporting Jew vs. Catholic Bolsonaro supporter'

Is Caio Borralho coming back? Former middleweight champion claims he already has an opponent for his UFC return.

Even while acknowledging that moving up a division and increasing physical size naturally impacts speed, Poatan claims he hasn't lost any important attributes, only added more mass to his game.

“Obviously, it’s not possible to move up to a much higher weight class, get stronger, and not lose perhaps some speed. We’ll see in the fight. But I feel exactly the same. I just increased in size, but I didn’t lose anything,” concluded the former light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg).

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.

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.