Poatan focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
In June, in Washington (USA), Alex Poatan debuted in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg) and was unsuccessful. Right in the White House, the Brazilian was brutally knocked out by Ciryl Gane in the second round. Since then, the athlete, who was already a target of the controversial Josh Hokit , has been constantly challenged and attacked in a hostile manner. However, the veteran does not respond to his rival, and this stance is causing bewilderment among many.
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In an interview with the channel 'Laerte Viana na área', Poatan was questioned about remaining silent in the face of threats and insults, and explained why he decided not to respond to the American. According to the Brazilian, since the UFC hasn't defined Hokit as his opponent, it doesn't make sense to respond. It's worth noting that the bad boy has already made it clear that he wants such a fight next, but even so, the veteran continues to ignore him.
In the most tense episode of the one-sided rivalry, Hokit yelled at Poatan, attacked him, insulted his mother, and even made a disrespectful gesture towards him. Poatan stood still and watched Ilia Topuria defend him. Curiously, the athlete prefers to create controversy by frequently attacking compatriots (fans and fighters) on social media, rather than responding to a potential opponent.
“Like, I saw a thing Hokit did, you know, he said. I don't know if it was the guy from the channel, I don't remember his name, he said, 'Yeah, Poatan didn't stay. The guy talked about his mother, but he didn't do anything. Now the guy says this and stuff.' Look at the comparison the guy is going to make, you know? The guy is right there, do you think I'm going to expose myself? I'm right there. What are the chances I have of, like, jumping and punching the guy over there?”
"Maybe I have the urge, you know? But I have self-control because I know it won't do any good. You know? I know it won't do any good, so I stay quiet. So, I maintain respect, self-control, the guy keeps talking nonsense, he embarrasses himself, I stay calm, you know? I'm not going to fight with the guy, you know? What am I going to do?"
"Man, I'm going to fight that guy over there, it's going to look bad for me. Now, do I know that one day I'm going to fight him? I'm waiting for the right moment, man. One day I'll get him. Could I get beaten up? Ah, okay, we're risking everything, you know? But I'll want to win. I'll want to hit him, you understand?"
Hokit argues with Poatan and Topuria at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Watch Ciryl Gane's knockout of Alex Poatan.
HE JUST DID THAT 😮💨 @Ciryl_Gane creates an unforgettable moment as he earns the RD2 TKO victory! #UFCWhiteHouse LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!
[Title fights presented by @Cryptocom ] pic.twitter.com/3gzvdR4kqe
— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026
Poatan's main victories
In the UFC since 2021, Alex Poatan has experienced a meteoric rise in MMA, shining in the octagon and becoming one of the biggest stars. The Brazilian was champion in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg) and the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg), defeating big names in the sport such as Israel Adesanya , Jamahal Hill , Jan Błachowicz, Jiri Prochazka (twice), Khalil Rountree Jr., Magomed Ankalaev , and Sean Strickland.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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