A. Poatan (left) responds to a challenge from K. Chimaev (right). Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
Challenged by Khamzat Shimaev after running over Sean Strickland No. UFC 276, Alex Poatán does not believe that the proposal is the Swede's real intention. In an interview with 'Trocação Franca', the new Ultimate star questioned the courage of the organization's pupil and assured that his speech would not be the same if the organization became interested in the fight.
“Look at this guy. I'm going to fight for the belt, it's already confirmed. He (Chimaev) wants attention. He knows I'm defiant and he still says something like that. I would like to see if Dana White said, 'Alex, your fight against (Israel) Adesanya is guaranteed, but he needs time to prepare. So, he faces this guy (Khamzat) first. I wanted to see what he would say”, asked Poatan.
While Alex has impressed with convincing performances in Ultimate, the same can be said of Chimaev. In his last performance, the Swede went through Gilbert Durinho in real battle UFC 273.
With the victory, Khamzat moved closer to a title shot at welterweight (under 77kg). Today, the fighter is in third place in the category led by Kamaru Usman.
In the middleweight division (up to 83,9kg), Poatan secured the fight against the champion Israel adesanya. The clash, however, does not yet have a confirmed date.
