Brazilian promise in the middleweight (up to 83,9kg) of Ultimate, Alex Poatán You are in the final stretch of your preparation for your next appointment at the company. Featured in UFC 276, which takes place on July 2nd, the São Paulo native spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about the challenge facing Sean Strickland. The fighter also opened up about a possible meeting with his rival, Israel adesanya, behind the scenes of the event.
No UFC 276, Poatan will reach the milestone of three commitments with the Ultimate gloves. The clash against the North American could qualify the Tupiniquim to a middleweight title fight.
Respectful posture
'Newcomer' to Ultimate, Poatan will have the most important commitment in his career in MMA to date. Faced with number four in the ranking, the Brazilian adopts a respectful stance and avoids polemicizing when the subject is 'bad boy' of the division and possible favoritism for the clash.
"Anything could happen. (Strickland) is a guy who is there, has all the experience. I have to be careful. If we start to believe too much (in being a favorite), we end up in trouble. I'm training hard every day. (…) I'll be careful, I don't think it will be easy. He's a tough guy. (…) I have to be well physically, mentally, spiritually and technically. I’m doing everything I can to get there 100%,” he explained.
Preparation for the clash
Even face to face with an opponent famous for testing himself on the feet, Poatan knows that Strickland can try to surprise in other areas. Thus, the Brazilian explains that he did not have specific training for the North American, but guarantees that the focus is not to be caught off guard by any strategy from his rival.
“My preparation is the same as I did for the other fights. I train for myself, nothing specific. 'The guy will put it down': we are training for this, but not prioritizing it. He (Sean) is a rude guy, and that's the most dangerous thing. He is a fighter, who comes forward. (…) He comes from many victories. I think his determination is the most important thing,” he revealed.
Possible meeting with Adesanya
Moments after his performance against Strickland, Israel adesanya, middleweight champion, will step into the octagon to defend his title against Jared Cannonier. Executioner of the Nigerian in his kickboxing days, the Brazilian talks about what he expects, in case of a possible meeting with the Nigerian backstage at the UFC 276.
“I think that, without a fight scheduled with him, it's difficult for him to say anything. Maybe, if I win my fight and he wins too, I think he'll say something, but without that provocation. (…) I’ll keep to myself, I can greet him, but I don’t even have much to talk to him about,” he concluded.
Athlete's history
At 34, Alex Poatán is heading towards his seventh appearance as a professional in MMA. Today, the fighter has five victories and one positive result.
For the UFC, the Brazilian has two triumphs. In his latest challenge, the kickboxing legend overcame Bruno Blindado on points, in a true battle held in March 2022.
