Poatan downplays changes and guarantees high level even after moving up to heavyweight: 'I will remain the same'

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

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Alex Poatan believes that his move up to heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) will not bring significant changes to his performance. The former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93,9 kg) champion is scheduled to face Ciryl Gane in the co-main event of UFC Casa Branca on June 14th, in a fight for the interim title. Even with the increase in body mass , the fighter is confident that his performance will not be affected.

In an interview with 'UFC News', Poatan reinforced his confidence in the work he has done throughout his recent career, highlighting the evolution shown in his last fight and in previous divisions. According to the Brazilian, the main difference in this new phase will only be the weight, guaranteeing that his style and identity inside the octagon will remain the same.

“You’ll see the same Poatan. I think we did a great job in my last fight and in everything we did in the previous divisions, so the difference will be the weight, but Poatan will remain the same,” said Alex Poatan.

See photos of how UFC White House will work.

UFC octagon set up with the White House in the background. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc

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UFC Fan Fest set up on the White House lawn. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc

UFC White House

UFC White House , also known as UFC Freedom 250 , will take place on June 14th at the official residence of the US president in Washington, D.C. Unlike usual, the event will be held on a Sunday, Donald Trump's birthday.

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

Alex Poatan in the spotlight

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

Brazil will be 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 is seeking the interim heavyweight (up to 120 kg) title against Frenchman Ciryl Gane.

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

UFC White House fight schedule

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje – Title fight

Heavyweight (up to 120 kg): Alex Poatan vs. Ciryl Gane – Interim title fight

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi

Heavyweight (up to 120 kg): Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Michael Chandler vs. Mauricio Ruffy

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Kyle Daukaus x Bo Nickal

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Steve Garcia vs. Diego Lopes

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