Gratitude! Alex Poatan praises champion Ilia Topuria for defending him from Josh Hokit's attacks in the UFC.

Topuria and Poatan traveling together. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Throughout his journey in combat sports, Alex Poatán He has been making many friends and has now added an unusual and very welcome one. The Brazilian, who is preparing to fight for the interim heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg) against Cyryl Gane No. UFC White House, a grand event scheduled to take place this Sunday (14), in Washington (USA), can proudly say that it has Ilia Topuria as a 'partner'.

All because, in May, at the press conference to promote the show, the lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), upon seeing Poatan being heckled by Josh HokitHe took up the fight, ignored the weight and size disadvantage, and defended him tooth and nail. At the time, the Brazilian didn't fuel the rivalry with the American bad boy, but made a point of thanking Topuria for his fearless stance.

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Now, in an interview with the website 'MMA Fighting', Poatan once again expressed his gratitude and praised 'El Matador', since the latter had no obligation to support him in the controversial episode. Furthermore, the closeness between the UFC stars is explained by the fact that, before the incident, they trained together and traveled to the White House on the same flight.

“I was much more surprised by Topuria’s attitude of standing up, defending me, and staying by my side, because I think he felt bad that I didn’t speak English. Many things that were being said weren’t very clear in the translation, because when there’s a lot happening at the same time, it doesn’t sound good. I’m definitely impressed with Topuria,” said the UFC star.

UFC White House

O UFC White House, also called UFC Freedom 250The concert will take place on June 14th at the official residence of the US president in Washington DC. Unlike usual, the show will be held on a Sunday, Donald Trump's birthday.

In the main fight UFC White House, the Spanish Ilia Topuria He defends his lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) against the interim title holder, the American. Justin gaethje.

Alex Poatan in the spotlight

Alex Poatán will be highlighted in UFC White HousePhoto: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Brazil will be represented at UFC White HouseIn the co-main fight of the attraction, Alex Poatán He attempts an unprecedented feat. Former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion, Poatan seeks the interim heavyweight (up to 120 kg) title against the Frenchman. Cyryl Gane.

In addition to Poatan, Mauricio Ruffy e Diego lopes These are the other Brazilian athletes on the card. They face Michael chandler e Steve Garciarespectively.

UFC White House fight schedule

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg.): Ilia Topuria x Justin gaethje – Fight for the belt

Heavy weight (up to 120 kg.): Alex Poatán x Cyryl Gane – Fight for the interim belt

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Sean O'Malley x Aiemann Zahabi

Heavy weight (up to 120 kg.): Josh Hokit x Derrick Lewis

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg.): Mauricio Ruffy x Michael chandler

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg.): BoNickal x Kyle Daukaus

Feather weight (up to 65,7 kg.): Diego lopes x Steve Garcia