Poatan 'bets big' and could pay dearly for his return to the UFC middleweight division; see the pros and cons

Alex Poatán He is the current UFC light heavyweight champion. (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram)

Alex Poatán surprised the MMA community by announcing his decision to return to the UFC middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). The Brazilian, who already reigned in the category in 2021 and holds the light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg), will have as his main target the current title holder, Dricus du Plessis.

Poatan's decision was motivated by the opportunity to achieve an unprecedented feat in his career: being champion in two categories simultaneously.

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The Brazilian had already won the middleweight belt, but lost it to Israel adesanya. When moving up to light heavyweight, he overcame Jan Blachowicz e Jiri Prochazka, respectively, by the top of the world.

With this, the SUPER FIGHTS points out risks and possibilities for the future of São Paulo in case of a return to the previous division.

Pros and cons of Poatan's return to middleweight

Alex Poatán promised promotion to middleweight (Photo: Instagram)

Poatan's decision brings with it a series of advantages and challenges. Among the positive points, the opportunity to become a double champion and the possibility of facing an opponent who can adapt to his fighting style stands out.

Another advantage that Alex Poatán should have been about the game of falls Dricus du Plessis that, despite having used and finished Israel adesanya in title disputes, he does not usually impose his style in grappling.

The South African, who is the current middleweight champion, suggests opting to trade blows while standing. This way, the Brazilian's technical quality can be superior, without worrying about the potential risk of being knocked down.

On the other hand…

A. Poatan weighing in at UFC 281. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

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Alex's decision also raises some concerns. Cutting weight to the middleweight division could be a significant challenge for the Brazilian, who has struggled with the process in the past.

He usually weighs 105kg outside of his active period and would need to cut a lot of weight again, even though he is more popular, is in another division and, mainly, has no great things to add in case of victory over Dricus.

Furthermore, the choice to face Du Plessis would also be seen as a risky decision, as the South African is a dangerous and rising opponent, but with little media power to elevate (even further) the position of the São Paulo native in the eyes of the public.

In the UFC since 2021, Alex Poatán totals a retrospective of 11 positive results and two negative results. He is considered one of the most popular fighters today, as he is second in the organization's weight-for-pound ranking, behind only Islam makhachev.

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