Álex Poatan applies a kick to Magomed Ankalayev. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC Europe
the defeat of Alex Poatán to Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 313, an event held last Saturday (8), decided by unanimous decision of the judges, generated debates about his future in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg). The commentator and former fighter Paul felder, during his podcast, argued that the Brazilian deserves the opportunity for revenge after being defeated by the Russian in the main duel of the card.
“Yes, I believe that. Given the context we discussed, does anyone really think there is another fighter more deserving than Poatan to fight for the title now? Regardless of whether they consider the competition to be strong or not, he has defeated whoever was in front of him, repeatedly, in a short period of time,” Felder said.
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The analyst also highlighted that the Brazilian, who had accumulated five consecutive triumphs before the setback, did not have his best night, but deserves to adjust his strategy.
“He deserves to try to decipher this enigma again. It wasn’t his performance that failed, unless something happened behind the scenes. Ankalaev was simply better that night. Based on his recent trajectory, Poatan should be the next challenger. I want to see how he would adapt in a second fight,” he added.
In the octagon, the Russian imposed a tactical game: he pressured his opponent in the clinch, controlled the pace and avoided the traditional devastating blows of the Brazilian, known for emblematic knockouts such as those applied in Jamahal hill, Jiri Prochazka (twice) and Khalil rountree. Ankalaev's victory interrupted one of the UFC's most impressive streaks: Poatan maintained a 100% success rate in the category, with three triumphs in less than a year.
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