Alex Poatan downplays Ciryl Gane's main weapon and compares him to Adesanya in the UFC White House.

Poatan during a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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A veteran of combat sports, Alex Poatan is brimming with confidence to compete in the highly anticipated UFC Casa Branca . In the co-main event of the media event taking place this Sunday (14), in Washington (USA), the Brazilian will fight for the interim heavyweight belt (up to 120,2 kg) against Ciryl Gane . The duel marks the athlete's debut in the new category, and he seems unconcerned about his opponent.

So much so that Poatan downplayed the Frenchman's main weapon for the duel. Over the years, Gane has established himself as one of the best heavyweights in MMA due to his unique movement for the category, as well as being intelligent and technical. However, the Brazilian asserted that he has already dealt with opponents with the same profile as 'Bon Gamin', comparing him to Israel Adesanya.

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In total, Poatan fought the Nigerian four times (two in kickboxing and two in MMA) and ended the rivalry with an advantage, with three wins, two in Glory and one in the UFC. Therefore, having built a positive record against Adesanya, the Brazilian believes he has enough experience and will be able to handle Gane well in the octagon.

“Well, I’ve never fought an athlete like Adesanya, right? Adesanya is a guy who moves a lot. From middleweight upwards, there isn’t anyone who moves like him. Maybe below that weight. Well, I beat Adesanya,” said the veteran at the UFC White House media day.

"Everyone was also saying that he was a guy who moves around a lot, that I wouldn't find him and so on. Well, we'll see on Sunday, you can't know how it's going to be. I want to be there, do my best and come out as champion," he concluded.

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 , Ilia Topuria defends her lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) against Justin Gaethje , the interim champion.

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.

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): Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler

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

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

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