Magomed Ankalayev derrotou Alex Poatán No. UFC 313. Photo: Reproduction/UFC
In the main fight UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev outperformed Alex Poatan in a tight fight and won the world light heavyweight title (up to 93kg). However, for the Russian to truly solidify his position as the world number one in that weight class, he will need to repeat the feat in a rematch. At least that's what the former welterweight champion (up to 77kg) says, Kamaru Usman.
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In a recent edition of the 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast, alongside Henry Cejudo, Usman pointed out that the UFC should schedule a rematch between Ankalaev and Poatan, as he considers this the biggest fight possible in the division, since the Brazilian has already defeated all the other main contenders for the title. For the Nigerian, the rematch will allow the Russian to solidify himself as champion and take over the number one spot in the category.
“I think they’re going to do the rematch, of course. It’s the biggest fight they can do in the division because Pereira has already gone through everybody else. They do the rematch and it gives Ankalaev a chance to really solidify himself as the champion there, and really now start carrying that torch. I like that. I think they’re going to do it before the end of the year,” Usman said.
With the defeat to Ankalaev, Poatan accumulated his third negative result in MMA. The Russian, now champion, achieved the 21st victory of his career.
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