Surprise Coming Soon? Poatan Guarantees Improvement in Grappling Game for Fight Against Gane at UFC Casa Branca

Poatan focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

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Alex Poatan is more than ready to fight the biggest fight of his remarkable career in combat sports. At UFC Casa Branca , an event that takes place this Sunday (14), in Washington (USA), the Brazilian moves up to heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) to face Ciryl Gane in the fight for the interim belt. And, aware of the importance of the duel, the veteran, despite being a decorated striker, guarantees he is able to get past the Frenchman not only in striking.

In an interview with the YouTube channel 'TNT Fight Sports', Poatan addressed the idea that he is a one-dimensional fighter, assuring that he has shown great improvement in grappling. It is worth noting that the athlete has been perfecting his grappling since he definitively transitioned from kickboxing to MMA in 2021, under the tutelage of Glover Teixeira , his friend, mentor, and training partner.

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Since the co-main event of UFC Casa Branca features two skilled strikers, many predict the fight will be decided on their feet, with a high probability of a knockout. However, Poatan, a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, doesn't rule out showcasing his grappling skills in the octagon, both offensively, aiming to take Gane down and control him on the ground, and defensively, avoiding Gane's potential takedown attempts.

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“Since I started training with Glover, I've dedicated myself fully to ground training and everything else. We train all the time and dedicate ourselves a lot. Then, people keep asking, 'Will he fight on the ground? Will that happen?' I always try to improve my game, train more, and be prepared. So, whatever happens, there won't be any surprises,” said the UFC star.

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In the main event of UFC Casa Branca , Ilia Topuria defends her lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) against Justin Gaethje , the interim champion.

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Alex Poatan in the spotlight

Alex Poatan will be a featured athlete at UFC Casa Branca . Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Brazil will be heavily represented at UFC Casa Branca . In the co-main event, Alex Poatan attempts an unprecedented feat. The former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion seeks the interim heavyweight (up to 120 kg) title against Ciryl Gane.

Besides Poatan, Mauricio Ruffy and Diego Lopes are the other Brazilian athletes on the card. The pair will face Michael Chandler and Steve Garcia , respectively.