Adesanya admits mistake against Poatan and reveals reason for defeat in UFC Saudi Arabia

Israel Adesanya facing Alex Poatan and Plínio Cruz at UFC 312. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

PUBLICITY:

Israel Adesanya found in Alex Poatan not only an interlocutor, but a mirror to revisit his mistakes. During UFC 312 , held in Sydney last Saturday (8), the two, former rivals, shared technical analyses and intimate revelations about recent fights.

In a video recorded and released on the Nigerian's YouTube channel, Adesanya admitted a crucial mistake that sealed his fate against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia . Questioned by Poatan, the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg) detailed the technical lapse that allowed Imavov to secure the knockout in the second round: a failure in distance control during the guard change.

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“The strategy worked, but when I repositioned myself, I got too close. I would never change stances that close. If I do that, that’s what happens. He knew how to take advantage. Fair play, he got me good,” Adesanya confessed, referring to the direct punch that knocked him down.

The fight, which took place on February 1st, marked the Nigerian's third consecutive defeat, bringing his career total to five losses. Imavov, on the other hand, solidified his position as a contender for the division's belt after a four-fight winning streak—including victories over Brendan Allen and, now, one of the most iconic names in the UFC.

Meeting of Adesanya and Poatan

The encounter between Adesanya and Poatan at UFC 312 surprised fans and experts. Sitting side-by-side in the audience, the two discussed potential training partnerships, with the Brazilian even suggesting future collaborations.

“We have a lot to learn from each other,” said Poatan, in a conversation mediated by his coach, Plínio Cruz.

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