Alex Poatán alongside coach Plínio Cruz after defeat in UFC 313. Photo; Reproduction X/UFC News
The controversial defeat of Alex Poatán to Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 313, which cost the Brazilian the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg), generated reactions from his team. In an interview with the podcast 'MMA Hoje', Plínio Cruz, the former champion's coach, downplayed the result and highlighted what he considered a performance below the fighter's potential.
“I think Poatan was having a bit of an off day. Unfortunately, in our line of work, it’s not like a day in the office where you can have a bad day and just push it through. It happens that you’re not at your best on a day when you have to perform,” he said.
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The coach highlighted the Brazilian's ability to contain Ankalaev's wrestling, a style common among Dagestani fighters. For him, the feat of blocking 12 takedown attempts by the Russian — known for dominating opponents on the ground — should silence criticism of Poatan's grappling.
“The guy fought on his worst day and fought against Ankalaev on his best day. Tell me about a guy in the UFC who managed to stop 12 takedowns by someone from Dagestan?! Not even Merab (Dvalishvili), who fell once or twice. I think that now no one will question the grappling factor anymore,” he added.
Plínio Cruz reveals he saw Poatan win at UFC 313
Regarding the result, Plínio stated that, from his perspective, Poatan won rounds 1, 3 and 5. The analysis contradicted the unanimous decision of the judges, who granted the victory to the Russian after five balanced rounds.
“What I saw, two meters from my eyes, without commentators or anyone’s influence, I thought Alex won the first, third and fifth (rounds). So much so that the number of significant strikes while standing, in the third round, is Poatan’s. If there were no takedowns, what counts? But I’m not going to make excuses. It was an even fight,” he acknowledged.
The defeat ended Poatan's run at the top of the division, while Ankalaev extended his unbeaten streak to 14 fights and won the belt for the first time. The Brazilian has already expressed interest in adjusting his strategy, while the Russian promised a knockout in less than three rounds. The fighters have a verbal agreement for a rematch in August.
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