Alex Poatan responds to Paulo Borrachinha's statement regarding the fight against Sean Strickland

Brazilian promise in the middleweight division (up to 83,9kg), in Ultimate, Alex Poatán responded to a statement from Paulo borrachinha in which the miner criticizes Sean Strickland for facing an opponent outside the rankings. Exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS, the kickboxing legend avoided controversy with his compatriot and admitted he understood what the former challenger for the category belt was saying.

“Borrachinha said (the statement) because I wasn’t in the rankings. Maybe he's right. I don't think he meant it technically. Maybe Borrachinha doesn't want to believe that, even though I'm out of the rankings, my name is in the spotlight. Strickland knows that. I'm saying it in a good way (without provocation). Strickland knows that if he beats me, it’s like he’s facing a ranked player,” said Poatan.

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Respectful of his compatriot, Alex also explains that his career in martial arts can weigh heavily when it comes to morals with the UFC. Former world champion in Glory, the São Paulo native then follows the argument.

“People know my story, my potential. Not only within MMA, but because of what I did outside”, he concluded.

Candidate for a future UFC middleweight title fight, Poatan returns to the Octagon on July 2nd for his fight against Sean. If he surpasses number four in the ranking, the Brazilian could get closer to a confrontation against Israel adesanya, UFC champion and his two-time kickboxing victim.

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