'Are you going to blame your ribs now?': Poatan provokes Russian after his pupil's UFC Vancouver debut

Alex Poatán at the entrance to the UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

Alex Poatán did not miss the victorious debut of his training partner Yousri Belgaroui No. UFC Vancouver last Saturday (18). The Dutchman, the Brazilian's former rival in kickboxing, overcame Azamat Bekoev by technical knockout on the card, and received congratulations from the current light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg).

In a post on Instagram, Poatan celebrated the result, even with provocation. Azamat Bekoev, with allusion to Magomed Ankalayev, his last opponent in UFC 320.

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“What will his excuse be now? His ribs?” wrote the Brazilian, referring to video released by the SUPER FIGHTS which showed Ankalaev receiving medical treatment for a suspected rib fracture before the fight.

According to the exclusive investigation, the injury occurred about 20 days before the fight, and the Russian's team even tried to cancel the fight. Still, Ankalaev insisted on stepping into the octagon, where he was knocked out in just 1 minute and 20 seconds.

Poatan, who helped Belgaroui with his preparation, was unable to be present in the Dutchman's corner, but celebrated his friend's successful debut in the Ultimate from a distance.

Poatan's partner, Yousri Belgaroui, put on a show at UFC Vancouver

Belgaroui, Poatan's former kickboxing rival and now training partner, debuted with an impressive victory in the Ultimate last Saturday (18). The Dutchman defeated the Russian Azamat Bekoev by technical knockout in the third round, in a dominant performance in the UFC Vancouver.

During the fight, the newcomer showed improvement in his defense and distance control, frustrating his opponent's takedown attempts and landing precise jabs until the fight was over.

After the triumph, still in the octagon, Yousri joked by asking UFC president Mick Maynard “where your belt was”, in reference to his friend’s achievements. Alex Poatán.