Alex Poatán alongside coach Plínio Cruz after defeat in UFC 313. Photo; Reproduction X/UFC News
Amid the repercussions of the defeat of Alex Poatán to Magomed Ankalayev for the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg) of UFC 313, coach Plínio Cruz detailed the plans for the Brazilian's reconstruction. And in statements to the fighter's YouTube channel, the mentor promised a more aggressive version of the former champion in the rematch, stating that the team is already working to overcome the setback suffered last Saturday (8).
The former champion's chief strategist, Plínio Cruz, acknowledged the result, but highlighted his determination to improve. The coach compared the moment to previous setbacks in Alex's career, remembering that he has already overcome defeats to become a two-time champion in two different categories.
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“Rivalries make us grow. This time he did it his way, so we’re going to train more, study more, improve, to give you a better version of Poatan. A meaner one. What this guy did was make things worse for him, because now he’s going to fight ‘Poatan 2.0’. It’s happened to Poatan before, it’s not the first time, and a true champion is the one who stumbles, but keeps moving forward and wins it back. Poatan will win the belt back in the rematch. A meaner version. And our team will be at a higher level than it already is,” said Plínio.
Plínio was emphatic in stating that the Russian 'made things worse for himself' by provoking the Brazilian's hunger for redemption. The coach also ruled out any justification for the performance in UFC 313, in addition to reinforcing that the preparation was impeccable and that the fighter entered the octagon in ideal physical and mental conditions.
“Life is made of ups and downs, and those ups and downs are what make us who we are on this journey towards our goal. We will come back stronger, we will regroup as a team. The vibe was great this week, we have no excuses. Poatan was good, and I think he won the fight. This is a stumble, not a fall, and it will only make him stronger, our team stronger. Humans evolve more in times of adversity,” he concluded.
Poatan x Ankalaev set up rematch
Poatan, who had previously maintained an undefeated record in the 93 kg category, was defeated by unanimous decision after five even rounds. Ankalaev's victory ended the Brazilian's five-fight winning streak in the UFC and secured the Russian his first career title in the organization.
The UFC is expected to schedule the rematch in 2025, taking advantage of the commercial interest of the duel. Ankalaev, who now holds the belt, has already signaled his willingness to face the Brazilian again.
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