Former champion changes his mind and praises Alex Poatan's potential in the UFC: 'I'm not going to lie...'

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

Alex Poatán He continues to win over fans and change the minds of former critics with his performances in the UFC octagon. In an interview with the 'Jaxxon Podcast', Luke Rockhold He acknowledged that he had underestimated Brazilians in the past, but has since reversed his assessment of the Pataxó people.

The former champion admitted that, while still competing in the UFC's middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg), he believed Poatan had been rushed to the top and lacked the ground game skills to compete at a high level. However, Rockhold emphasized that the fighter has proven his worth time and again.

“I spoke badly of him, I won’t lie. I was in the division and I thought he was led to the top, and that he didn’t have the ground game to really compete. But this guy has proven his worth time and time again, and the game sense he demonstrates is what I see most now. He’s very confident in there and doesn’t doubt himself. It doesn’t even make sense how big he manages to get,” he said. Luke Rockhold.

Alex Poatan's UFC History

Poatan shows off his UFC belts. Photo: Reproduction/X/AlexPereiraUFC

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Alex Poatán arrived at the UFC with kickboxing star status, after winning Israel adesanya twice in the sport and win the Glory belt in two divisions.

In his Ultimate debut, the Brazilian knocked out his opponent. Andreas Michailidis with a flying knee and then hit Bruno Blindado in the judges' decision. In his third commitment in the organization, he faced Sean Strickland and defeated the American also by knockout in the first round.

The victory over Strickland put Poatan in the title challenger position. Israel adesanyaAfter five intense rounds, the Brazilian defeated the Nigerian again and became the UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg). However, in the immediate rematch, Adesanya returned the knockout blow and regained the belt.

After being dethroned, Poatan decided to move up to light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) in search of his second title. In his debut in the new category, he fought a tough battle against Jan Blachowicz and won by split decision.

Afterwards, he faced Jiri Prochazka for the vacant division title. Despite difficulties in the first round, the Brazilian knocked out the Czech in the second and became champion.

The success continued. In the following fights, Poatan racked up knockouts over Jamahal hill, again Prochazka, and Khalil rountree, ending the year 2024 crowned as the best fighter of the season, alongside Ilia Topuria.

In March 2025, Poatan faced what would be his biggest challenge in the division: Magomed AnkalayevThe Brazilian ended up losing by judges' decision, but regained the belt in the rematch, held in UFC 320, winning by knockout in just 80 seconds of fighting.

Currently, Alex Poatán has expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight several times. Although his main target be Jon JonesThe Brazilian could become the first fighter in UFC history to win belts in three different weight classes, should he have the chance to challenge. Tom aspinall.