Problem? Understand how altitude in Salt Lake City can impact Alex Poatan's performance at UFC 307

Alex Poatán fight in UFC 307. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/alexpoatanpereira

Salt Lake City, the scene of a battle in the octagon and at altitude. The light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg.), Alex Poatán, is back in Utah, in the United States, to defend his belt in the UFC 307 next Saturday (5). The city, known for its high altitude levels, was already the scene of the Brazilian's victory in his debut in the category. However, the rarity of the air continues to be one of the biggest challenges for athletes competing in events in the region.

Preparation for the fight in an environment with lower atmospheric pressure and drier air was intense. Despite having started acclimatization three weeks before the fight, Poatan revealed that his breathing is still affected by the altitude.

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“It’s really good. We arrived three weeks before the fight, last time we arrived only two weeks before. This time, it’s been better. It’s really loud, even my throat, now with this dry air, has felt a little different. It’s a little difficult to breathe,” revealed the Brazilian in an interview with 'The Schmo'.

The experience gained in UFC 291, when surpassed Jan Błachowicz In an intense fight, it can be a differentiator for Alex. However, altitude continues to be an unpredictable factor, which can impact the fighters' rhythm and strategy, which requires greater physical effort from the athletes.

The body on alert

The reduced amount of oxygen available at altitude forces the body to work harder to oxygenate the tissues. This results in an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate, as well as greater muscle fatigue. For fighters, this situation can compromise performance, especially during moments of explosion and exchange of blows.

According to experts, altitude can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, dizziness and difficulty concentrating. In addition, the reduced amount of oxygen can lead to the formation of pulmonary and cerebral edema in more severe cases.

How does altitude harm MMA fighters?

Altitude mainly affects sports that require a lot of aerobic effort, such as MMA. The reduced amount of oxygen available makes it difficult to produce energy and can lead to premature muscle fatigue. In title fights, which can last up to 25 minutes, the situation is intensified.

Heavier fighters like Alex Poatán e Khalil rountree, are even more affected than Rachel Pennington e Julianna Pena, other protagonists of the night and who fight for the belt on the night, as they need more oxygen to feed their muscles.

Poatan's strategy with altitude

Poatan's team has adjusted their physical and technical preparation to minimize the effects of altitude. Early acclimatization and specific training aim to ensure that the champion arrives at the fight in his best condition.

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.

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