Since debuting in the UFC in November 2021, Alex Poatán has become one of the biggest names in all of MMA. The Brazilian made history by winning belts in two different categories — middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) — and defeated names such as Israel adesanya e Jiri Prochazka. However, it is already beginning to be studied more frequently and possible rivals have sought strategies to beat it.
The debate about how to beat Poatan has expanded even outside the UFC. A well-known name for the Brazilian, kickboxer Artem Vakhitov stated that, even without having a background in grappling, the best way to get a victory against his former opponent is to invest in stand-up fighting.
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“I see mistakes. Pereira has practically no defense. We all saw the fight against Blachowicz and the way he was defeated by Adesanya. He always has his hands at chest height. So, I think you need a basic striker, who knows how to defend himself well, to defeat him, and not someone from MMA or wrestling,” said the fighter, who has three professional MMA fights, in an interview with journalist Adam Zubayraev.
Current light heavyweight world champion (up to 93 kg.), Alex Poatán defends his title on October 5th, against the North American Khalil rountree. The fight will be the main fight of the UFC 307, which takes place in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Alex Poatan vs Artem Vakhitov
As much as Israel adesanya, Poatan and Vakhitov faced each other twice in kickboxing, both times with Glory's light heavyweight title (up to 95kg) at stake. In the first fight, the Brazilian dethroned the Russian, winning by split decision, in January 2021. In the rematch, eight months later, the São Paulo native was defeated by majority decision.
After the defeat, the Brazilian completed his transition to MMA, the same path taken by Vakhitov, who debuted in the sport in June 2023. The Russian, in fact, has a fight scheduled for the 'Contender Series' and could sign with the UFC in October of this year.
