Israel adesanya e Alex Poatán talk after fight UFC 281. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
Alex Poatán derrotou Israel adesanya and took the belt from his rival in the UFC 281, held on the 12th. The achievement marked the Brazilian's third triumph against the Nigerian – the first in MMA, both under kickboxing rules. Despite the advantage in the clashes, the new champion gave the green light for the rematch, but gave unusual advice to Adesanya.
Poatan said that, if he were Adesanya, he would wait for the chance to face him again, after all he suffered his third defeat against the Brazilian with two brutal knockouts.
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“If I were him, I would wait a little, but as he wants… he was the champion. If he really wants it, he deserves this rematch”, said Adesanya, in an interview with ESPN Brasil.
Alex Poatán He also stated that, if he could choose between the fourth fight against Adesanya or any other opponent, he would choose to face his old acquaintance. “It was a good fight. He hit me, he believes he can hit me. It doesn't matter to me, I will fight. If there are two people, Adesanya and another fighter, and you ask who I want, I'll say 'Adesanya.' Because he is him,” he added.
No UFC 281, Poatan made history in Dana White's organization. The fighter, who arrived for his fourth commitment in the company, made use of Adesanya's reputation as a knockout artist and 'terror' to stage one of the biggest comebacks of the year. After taking losses in the opening rounds, he managed to win with a series of striking strikes.
Kickboxing legend, Poatan switched to MMA permanently two years ago and adjusts his game at the gym led by Glover Teixeira. The fighter, to date, has four appearances in the UFC and has a record of seven wins and one loss in his career. He is expected to have a rematch against the 'Last Stylebender' in his first title defense.
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