A victim of Poatan in the past, Adesanya says he is eager to face the Brazilian in the UFC: 'This isn't kickboxing'

A. Poatan (left) beat I. Adesanya (right) twice in kickboxing. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

Victim of Alex Poatán twice in my kickboxing days, Israel adesanya doesn't seem to feel intimidated by the Brazilian's presence in the Ultimate squad. Big star of UFC 276, which takes place on July 2nd, the middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg) admitted that he is looking forward to a rematch against the São Paulo native within MMA rules. For the Nigerian, the new scenario will prevent any surprises in an eventual fight.

“This isn’t kickboxing, it’s MMA. There are no such thing as pillow gloves. They are four-ounce gloves, lethal weapons that I look forward to using on his (Poatan) face. This, after I go through Jared Cannonier”, guaranteed Adesanya, in a press conference.

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At the absolute top of the middleweight division since 2019, Israel is heading towards his fifth title defense. At the UFC 276, the Nigerian faces number two in the ranking and hopes to have new success in the commitment.

Kickboxing legend and former double champion at Glory, Poatan will also perform at the event on July 2nd. The Brazilian will have a decisive fight against Sean Strickland, in a fight that could confirm him as a challenger for the belt.

Outside of MMA, Alex and Israel shared the ring on two occasions. In the first meeting, which took place in 2016, the Tupiniquim team won with a unanimous decision from the judges. In the rematch, held in 2017, the Tupiniquim won with a tough knockout in the third round.