Poatan and Aldo at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
MMA legend José Aldo retired definitively in 2025, but those who thought the sport had left him were mistaken. Attentive to what's happening in the sport, the former featherweight king (65,8 kg), like many professionals, watched UFC Casa Branca closely , an event held in June in Washington (USA), and gave his opinion on the future of Alex Poatan , who was brutally defeated by Ciryl Gane in his heavyweight debut (120,2 kg).
In an interview with the website 'Covers.com', Aldo advised his compatriot to abandon the idea of continuing to fight in the weight class. In the co-main event of UFC Casa Branca , Poatan clearly struggled to cope with the Frenchman's movement, speed, and power, and ended up being knocked out in the second round. Therefore, many believe that the division is not ideal for the veteran to compete in.
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Since Poatan reigned in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg) before seeking to become the first fighter to be a triple champion in UFC history, the 'King of Rio' advised him to return to the division, as he has everything it takes to dominate it again. It is worth noting that the renowned striker won the category's belt on two occasions and defended it three times.
“Today I would advise this. Alex has the perfect physical structure for the light heavyweight division. He has the strength, power, and knockout ability to dominate that category. Furthermore, I don't see today's light heavyweights at the same level as the light heavyweights of the past. When I look back and remember names like Tito Ortiz , Chuck Liddell, Rashad Evans , Quinton Jackson , Wanderlei Silva , Mauricio Shogun , and Lyoto Machida ,” said the MMA legend.
“It was an extremely deep division. Then Jon Jones came along and beat practically everyone. Today, I don't see that same level of difficulty in the division. That's why, if Alex comes back, I believe he remains one of the main favorites for the belt,” he concluded.
Watch Ciryl Gane's knockout of Alex Poatan at UFC White House.
HE JUST DID THAT 😮💨 @Ciryl_Gane creates an unforgettable moment as he earns the RD2 TKO victory! #UFCWhiteHouse LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!
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— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026
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