Alex Poatan 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 acknowledged that he underestimated the Brazilian in the past, but has since reversed his assessment of the Pataxó fighter.
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’s managed to get,” said Luke Rockhold.
Alex Poatan's UFC History
Poatan shows off his UFC belts. Photo: Reproduction/X/AlexPereiraUFC
Alex Poatan arrived in the UFC with the status of a kickboxing star, after defeating Israel Adesanya twice in the sport and winning the Glory belt in two divisions.
In his Ultimate debut, the Brazilian knocked out Andreas Michailidis with a flying knee and subsequently defeated Bruno Blindado by unanimous decision. In his third fight in the organization, he faced Sean Strickland and also defeated the American by knockout in the first round.
The victory over Strickland put Poatan in the position of challenging Israel Adesanya for the title . After 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 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 emerged victorious by split decision.
Next, 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 subsequent fights, Poatan racked up knockouts over Jamahal Hill , again Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree , ending 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 Ankalaev . The Brazilian ended up losing by judges' decision, but regained the belt in the rematch, held at UFC 320, winning by knockout in just 80 seconds of the fight.
Currently, Alex Poatan has repeatedly expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight. Although his main target is Jon Jones , the Brazilian could become the first fighter in UFC history to win belts in three different weight classes if he has the chance to challenge Tom Aspinall.
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