What?! Alex Poatan may be close to a fight with Pirata Russo; find out why.

Poatan at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Owner of the UFC light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg) and the company's main media figure since his victorious rematch against Magomed Ankalaev, Alex Poatan's main objective is to win an unprecedented third belt in 2026. However, an unexpected duel may be about to happen in the Brazilian's career. According to Rizvan Magomedov, the main manager of names like Islam Makhachev, there are negotiations for the São Paulo native to face Shara Bullet in a fight of... grapple.

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Without going into further detail about the negotiations for the fight with the Brazilian, the agent highlighted that these appearances are a way to keep the athlete active, since it is not possible to secure fights for the Russian on American soil, given the athlete's health condition, as he is blind in one eye.

"I think Shara is quietly making the transition from..." striker all with wrestlerMeanwhile, regarding his fight, we're waiting for a date, ideally. An event in the Middle East or somewhere else. Since, for obvious reasons, he can't compete in the United States. And he's filling that free time with this type of fight. But it will be interesting to watch the fight. It's essentially two strikers, two strikers specialized ones that will (fight on the ground)… Negotiations are ongoing”, Rizvan told the portal 'Sport 24' last Sunday (8).

Rizvan Magomedov confirms they are currently in talks for Shara Bullet to wrestle Alex Pereira… 👀

Through which channels you reach those people, classic and out of the box. @sport24 pic.twitter.com/Eqtba54DQ2

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 8, 2026

Away from the octagon since his victory against Canadian Marc-André Barriault last July, the Russian Pirate drew in a duel of grappling with Arman Tsarukyan at the end of December. Recently, he suffered his first defeat as a professional in a fight against Michael Page.

Shara Bullet focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Poatan has already shown interest in competing in grapple

Plinio Cruz alongside Alex Poatan after UFC 300. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @pliniocruzmma

Despite having established himself in the world of combat sports as a two-time Glory Kickboxing champion even before his UFC debut, Poatan has been feeling increasingly comfortable venturing into other disciplines. Last year, amidst a war of words with Khamzat Chimaev, he even challenged the Chechen to a duel. Submission in a video posted on social media. Despite not having competitive grappling credentials, the fighter received his black belt in Jiu-Jitsu from Glover Teixeira in 2024, after knocking out Jamahal Hill.