After Alex Poatán explain the recent controversies with Quemuel Ottoni, his only tormentor in MMA, it's time for the MMA champion Jungle Fight. Exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS, the welterweight asserted his right to reply and pointed out his version of what led to the confusion between the fighters.
current champion of Jungle Fight in the up to 77kg category, the São Paulo native vented about the events. The story between the fighters began in 2015, when Quemuel defeated Poatan in the current UFC star's MMA debut.
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How did the confusion start?
According to Ottoni, the unrest with Poatan began after a publication on social media made by the athlete from Jungle Fight. Alex would not have handled the incident well and, after that, they started exchanging private messages.
“When I saw that he (Poatan) was hired by the UFC, I took a photo of us doing a face-off (at least Jungle Fight) and asked for an opportunity with the UFC. (…) Everyone started tagging him (Alex). In one of the messages, it was the one he 'posted', saying that we trained together and he did really well, that if he 'posted', not even Jungle would want me. (…) At the moment, I felt disrespected, belittled. Before, we talked, exchanged messages. (…) I even sent him a message later (questioning), and he didn't respond to me. Because he didn't answer me, it seems like he belittled me. (…) Afterwards, we didn’t talk to each other anymore”, he said.
Intention of publication
The image of the stare published by Quemuel caused Poatan's discomfort. The athlete then explains why he took the initiative.
“It was a message. I don't need to belittle anyone's 'job' to do mine. I think Alex is a good fighter. Respect. He fights well, just like I'm a good fighter. I didn’t like the message he sent me and he didn’t respond to me”, he said.
Possible rematch
With a title from Jungle Fight on his CV, Ottoni is confident that he could do well in a new meeting with Poatan. The athlete avoids focusing on the result, but does not hide what he expects from the fight.
“I think it’s going to be a great fight. I see that Alex has evolved a lot. He did well in training with me, but if he thinks that's who I am, he'll be surprised, just like he was in the other fight (in 2015)”, he guaranteed.
Athletes' history
At 29 years old, Quemuel Ottoni has 15 fights as a professional in MMA. The athlete today has 12 wins and three losses.
Brazilian standout in the middleweight division (up to 83,9kg) of the UFC, Alex Poatán is heading towards his seventh challenge in mixed martial arts. The kickboxing legend currently has five triumphs and one setback. Tupiniquim has an appointment scheduled for July 2nd, when it will face forces with Sean Strickland.
