Former rival Adesanya cheers for Poatan at UFC Casa Branca: 'It would be great for the sport'

Adesanya and Poatan watch a UFC event side-by-side. Photo: Instagram/Freestylebender

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On the eve of UFC Casa Branca , Alex Poatan received support from an unlikely figure. Former rival of the Brazilian in his kickboxing and MMA days, Israel Adesanya said he would like to see him beat Ciryl Gane this Sunday (14), in Washington DC (USA), and achieve an unprecedented feat in the history of the organization.

Even after starring in one of the biggest rivalries in combat sports in recent years, the former middleweight king (up to 83,9 kg) didn't hide his admiration for his old opponent's recent career. The strikers faced each other four times throughout their careers. In kickboxing, Poatan won both encounters. In MMA, each athlete achieved one victory. During an appearance on his YouTube channel 'Freestylebender', Adesanya declared his support for the Brazilian.

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“I want to see Alex do that. Honestly, I think it would be great for the sport. It would be fantastic for him to achieve something that has never even been attempted,” Adesanya stated.

Subsequently, the Nigerian emphasized that the potential victory gains even more significance due to the level of his opponent. According to him, Poatan is not facing an ordinary fighter, but one of the most qualified competitors in the heavyweight division.

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"Whether you like it or not, you have to appreciate the magnitude of what this guy is doing right now. It's impressive. And he's not just doing it against a casual player or a weak champion. Gane is also a marksman," the former champion added.

The analysis reinforces the anticipation surrounding the confrontation. Former heavyweight title challenger Ciryl Gane is recognized for his exceptional movement, speed, and high technical level, rare characteristics for athletes in his weight class. Precisely for this reason, many experts see the Frenchman as one of the toughest tests in the Brazilian's MMA career.

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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.