Champion with a 'learner's mind', Poatan guarantees evolution on the eve of UFC 307: 'Now I understand the game'

Alex Poatán celebrates title alongside Glover Teixeira. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The meteoric rise of Alex Poatán The fact that he has won two UFC belts in two years and become one of the biggest stars in the organization today has not stopped the light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) from remaining completely open to learning, even at 37 years of age. The Brazilian's main coaches are the ones who guarantee this.

In the first episode of the 'Embedded' series made available by Ultimate for the UFC 307, Glover Teixeira, former champion and Poatan's main mentor in MMA, spoke about the preparation for this Saturday's (5) belt defense against Khalil Rountree Jr.

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“We’ve done the work and now we’re just moving, keeping our bodies active and cutting weight, but there’s not much more we can do. We’re just going to keep our eyes open, our body, our soul, our spirit is great. We’re going to be ready for war. I told everyone he would be champion in a year, I knew it. The way he works is incredible. It’s a blessing for me to work with Alex and see his success. He deserves everything,” Glover praised.

Also a trainer of Alex Poatán A long-time student, Plinio Cruz praised his protégé's ability to remain open to new learning even at such an advanced stage in his career.

“I’m not just happy, I’m proud. He has that fire, but he still has the apprentice mentality to always learn more. He’s ready for any challenge. I respect Khalil a lot. He’s a good striker, but I believe in the monster that Glover and I have created,” said the coach.

Finally, it was time for Alex Poatán promise an even better and more evolved version compared to the one that won the light heavyweight belt against Jiri Prochazka and defended against Jamahal hill and in revenge against the Czech.

“During this camp, I made significant progress in my overall game and in my preparation. I told Glover that I now understand the game. He said he could see it. It seems like something clicked. I feel very confident and great. We are doing everything right. I am very happy with the planning, having arrived here with the team three weeks early. It is an important fight against a complete guy who has been knocking everyone out. Our styles match, but it is MMA and anything can happen,” he concluded.

Learn about Alex 'Poatan' Pereira's journey from his days in the tire shop to UFC stardom