Understand the behind the scenes that took Alex Poatan from UFC Rio to the main star of UFC 300

A. Poatan and J.Hill face each other in the UFC 300 (Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS)

Protagonists of the historic card of UFC 300, Alex Poatán e Jamahal hill they were almost chosen to lead the UFC 301, which takes place on May 04th, in Rio de Janeiro. In order for you to better understand what happened, the SUPER FIGHTS brings behind-the-scenes details and what happened to prevent the organization from bringing the light heavyweight (up to 93kg) belt fight to Brazil.

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According to the calculation of SUPER FIGHTS, Poatan and Hill entered into a verbal agreement with the organization for both to star in the UFC 301, in Rio de Janeiro, on May 04th. The company's plan was to put the light heavyweight title fight in the main fight and, in the co-main fight, Alexandre pantoja would put the flyweight title on the line against the winner of Brandon royval x Brandon Moreno, who will face each other on February 24th.

However, the lack of a major main fight in the history UFC 300, ended up disrupting Brazil's plans to welcome its greatest champion and one of its greatest idols today. Prioritizing 'his home' and his main market, Dana White and the organization preferred to highlight the card that will take place on April 13th, at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas (USA).

Failed to combine

Hours before UFC 298, which took place last Saturday (17), both fighters were surprised when they were called by the organization to lead the historic UFC 300.

Even with their thoughts already focused on Rio de Janeiro, Poatan and Hill did not hide their happiness at being able to star in an event of such magnitude. The last-minute change caused a stir behind the scenes, as it was already certain that the duel would take place in Rio de Janeiro.

Jamahal Hill and the UFC's 'plan'

The light heavyweight champion (up to 83,9kg), in fact, still dreams of being able to beat the North American quickly so he can fight in the Marvelous City on May 04th. In an interview after the UFC 298, Hill detailed to journalist Aaron Bronsteter what happened for the duel with Poatan to leave Rio de Janeiro for Las Vegas (USA).

“Yes, I was offered a fight against Poatan in Rio. That was the plan, but the UFC 300 needed a main event. Alex is one of the biggest stars in the sport. I'm coming back with everything, ready to take what's mine. It's a great story, it's a great fight, great action. So I think it makes sense,” Hill said.

In a sport where the unexpected can always happen and zebras sometimes walk around the octagon, a piece of bad luck ended up taking away from the UFC 301 one of the most anticipated fights of the year. With the absence of big names like Jon Jones, Conor McGregor e Israel adesanya, it was up to Alex Poatán e Jamahal hill lead the history UFC 300. Pity for the Wonderful City…