Plinio and Poatan backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/pliniocruzmma
A familiar figure in Alex Poatan 's corner during Índio Pataxó's fights at the world's biggest MMA event, Plínio Cruz will soon have the opportunity to show his skills as a fighter. In an interview with reporter Ariel Helwani last Wednesday (17), the coach revealed that he has signed a three-fight contract with Misfits Boxing, the first of which should take place in September, for the world heavyweight title.
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Cruz said he doesn't know if he will face Chase DeMoor, the current champion of the division, or if the title will become vacant, but made it clear that he was promised a shot at the belt.
“I just signed a three-fight contract with the Misfits. I don’t have the exact date yet, because they’re checking it with DAZN , but it will be a title fight in September. I don’t know if they’ll take the title from him (DeMoor) or if we’ll fight, but they guaranteed me a heavyweight title fight. They motivated me to come back to fighting,” said the Brazilian, indicating a good financial offer.
Plinio Cruz says he signed a 3 fight deal with Misfits and will fight for the heavyweight title in September. #HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/4D33R1fjgo
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) June 17, 2026
Taking advantage of Poatan's presence, the Canadian reporter couldn't resist asking the former Ultimate champion for his opinion on the latest news. According to him, his friend's preparation has been the best it could be.
“He’s going to do great. If you watch Plínio’s fights, you’ll see that he should be doing this, he shouldn’t have stopped. We’re helping him. He trains every day and does tough sparring with Glover (Teixeira) twice a week. He’s doing what he loves, he’s found something to motivate him, and everyone is seeing that,” said Poatan.
Poatan's coach competed in MMA.
Alex Poatan alongside his coach Plinio Cruz at UFC 311. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/ufc_brasil
Despite becoming internationally known for his work with Alex, Plínio Cruz competed in Mixed Martial Arts for over a decade. Between 2008 and 2019, he built a record of 17 professional fights. The Brazilian had the opportunity to fight in major events such as Bellator and M1 Global, with eight wins and nine losses.
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