Alex Poatan's turn: remember Brazilians who tried to take over the UFC belt that once belonged to Anderson Silva

A. Poatan defeated B. Armored in the UFC Las Vegas 50. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

This Saturday (12), Alex Poatán will have the opportunity to assume the throne that, for years, belonged to the legendary Anderson Silva. The champion's opponent Israel adesanya No. UFC 281, however, will not be the first to try to regain Brazilian prestige at middleweight (up to 83,9kg.). Before the kickboxing legend, four other fighters came close to the feat, but ended up failing.

Considered by many as the best MMA representative of all time, 'Spider' reigned in the category between 2006 and 2013. The athlete was dethroned in the fateful defeat to Chris Weidman, in a clash that celebrates 10 years next season.

Since Anderson's stumble, Brazil has not had a representative at the absolute top of the group. On this note, then, the team at SUPER FIGHTS will remember names that 'hit the goalpost' when they tried to wear the iconic title for the Brazilian fans.

Lyoto Machida (2014)

Lyoto Machida (photo) was UFC light heavyweight champion. Photo: Facebook/UFC

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Brazilian MMA icon, Lyoto Machida reached its peak in Ultimate when he won the light heavyweight title (up to 93kg) in 2009. The 'Dragon', however, had the opportunity to be crowned in the up to 83,9kg group.

In 2014, the Brazilian faced off against the then middleweight champion, Chris Weidman, responsible for dethroning 'Spider' in the previous season. Against the American, however, Machida was unsuccessful and was outperformed by the judges.

Victor Belfort (2015)

V. Belfort (photo) was champion of the UFC heavyweight tournament in 1997. Photo: Reproduction Facebook UFC

Historical victim of Anderson Silva in 2011, when he was knocked out with an epic front kick, Vitor belfort had another opportunity to take over the middleweight throne. Winner of the heavyweight tournament in 1997, the Rio native fought for the middleweight throne in 2015.

At UFC 187, Belfort, like Lyoto, shared the octagon with Chris Weidman. Facing the executioner of 'Spider', the 'Fenômeno was also unsuccessful, losing by technical knockout in the first round.

Paulo Borrachinha (2020)

Paulo borrachinha is one fight away from the end of his UFC contract. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Representative of the new generation in Brazilian MMA, Paulo borrachinha arrived with pomp to his first fight for an Ultimate title. Used to engaging in exciting confrontations and famous for his aggressiveness, the Minas Gerais native was one of those chosen to try to dethrone Israel adesanya.

After months of provocations against the middleweight champion, Borrachinha was confirmed as a challenger for the belt in the UFC 253. The fighter, however, was unable to repeat his past performances and became a statistic, being knocked out in the second round.

Ronaldo Jacaré (honorable mention)

R. Jacaré (photo) entering the octagon.. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook RonaldoJacaré

Former Strikeforce champion, Ronaldo Jacare, for many, is considered 'unjust' when it comes to title fights. A jiu-jitsu icon, the athlete, for years, was a standout in the middleweight division, but was never selected to fight for the throne.

The fighter 'hit the post' on three occasions, when he was selected for fights that could qualify him as a challenger. On occasions, however, the athlete suffered a controversial defeat against Yoel romero, another for Robert whittaker and a decisive stumble against Jack hermansson.

On the eve of the clash against Hermansson, Ultimate's president, Dana White, had assured that, in case of victory, Ronaldo would fight for the title. After the setback, the Brazilian was unable to regain his good form and retired from MMA in 2021, after four consecutive defeats.

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