Alex Poatan accepts date for rematch with Magomed Ankalaev and puts pressure on UFC: 'Only the contract will arrive'

Poatan and Ankalaev face off before the UFC 313. Photo: Reproduction Instagram UFC

Alex Poatán keeps the revenge against Magomed Ankalayev as an absolute priority and eagerly awaits the UFC's formalization to schedule the title fight in August. The former light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg) reinforced that he is not considering any other fight besides the title fight and guarantees that he has not received the contract from the organization, even in light of the Russian's previous announcement about the date.

Speaking to 'The Ariel Helwani' Show, Alex Poatán made it clear that he only intends to return to the octagon to face Ankalaev again. The Brazilian, who lost his belt after five intense rounds in UFC 313, argues that he is entitled to a rematch due to his history in the promotion.

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“I still don’t know anything (about a rematch in August). It hasn’t arrived for me yet, but August is a very good date. As soon as the contract arrives, I’ll sign it too. We haven’t talked yet. I said I wanted to take a break. I know that will happen. I’ll be ready. If it’s in August, that’s a very good date for me, too,” said Poatan in an interview with 'The Ariel Helwani'.

Only revenge matters to Poatan

Poatan reinforced that he maintains a positive dialogue with the UFC and believes that his trajectory — including victories over names like Israel adesanya e Jiri Prochazka — guarantees priority in the fight for the title.

“It’s obvious that I want a rematch with him. I won’t accept anything else, another fight. I have this right because of all the work I’ve done. We haven’t talked about anything with the organization. We have a good relationship, so, because of all the good work we’ve been doing, they’ve already kind of guaranteed this for me,” concluded the Brazilian.

The suggestion came from Magomed Ankalayev. The new champion, on his social networks, mentioned that he could hold a rematch against Alex Poatán in August, indicating that accepted an offer from the UFC for the fight. However, he also made it clear that if Alex is not ready, he can face another opponent.